Harding’s student population is extremely unbalanced when it comes to political beliefs. Of course, this is not a secret to anyone attending or working at the school. Harding is a Christian college, so why shouldn’t it be overwhelmingly conservative?
The core values that Republicans uphold — respect for the sanctity of human life, limited government and individual liberties, go along with the Christian ideology, but they are not the only set of beliefs that do so. Democratic values such as commitment to the community, respect for God’s planet and personal sacrifices for the benefit of the country do not detract or undermine a Christian lifestyle. In fact, they promote a lifestyle of love and respect for one’s neighbors, which in turn harbors a healthy relationship with God.
What I want Harding students to know is that “liberal” is not a synonym for “evil,” and labeling a person as a “liberal” or a “conservative” does not deem them as condemned or saved. There is no shame in holding beliefs that differ from the majority.
That being said, I believe students who do hold differing beliefs need a forum on campus for discussion. The College Republicans hold meetings several times a month for students, conservative or not, to voice and expand their political beliefs by hearing the beliefs of other students in a safe environment. The College Democrats also have a chapter on campus, but it is not currently active.
My dream for Harding is that one day all students will feel free and safe to express their beliefs and opinions. I want students to know that they should not be afraid to profess that they support the Affordable Care Act or that they believe we need laws in place to protect the earth. I want the College Democrats chapter to express themselves at Harding, and for students to have the courage to come forward and discuss the beliefs they hold, despite the opposing views they face by the majority.
In the world outside of Harding, there are Christians voting Democrats into office. We cannot be so naive in thinking that political ideology and religious beliefs are strictly black and white, strictly holy and unholy. Everyone needs to think critically and discuss how their political beliefs and their faith line up, and not be afraid to question the status quo. I urge each and every student who has an interest in expanding themselves as citizens of the United States to talk to one another and to decide what it is that they truly believe. If a forum like the College Democrats is what students on this campus need to discuss their ideas, then that is exactly what needs to be established.
