At U of M, the students have the knowledge and willpower to do almost anything. They also have the hearts to stand up for what they believe in. On Monday, October 22nd, there was an event held at the Hatcher Graduate Library called “The Republican War on Women” hosted by the Institute for Research on Women and Gender, The Department of Communications Studies, History, Political Science, and a few others.
At this event, feminist figures talked about the problems with women regarding our rapidly changing political situation. The president of the University of Michigan’s chapter of College Republicans, LSA senior Rachel Jankowski wrote a letter to the President of the University and its board of regents, discussing the unfairness of the event. She states, “Vitriolic events such as these are completely unacceptable if we are to engage in a constructive dialogue on this campus. For a university that totes diversity and acceptance, it shows those feel good words only apply to people who espouse its shared liberal viewpoints.” Standing up for her what she believes in, Jankowski explains that she feels the University shows hypocrisy in promoting a diverse environment but sponsoring a democratically skewed event.
LSA senior Bronwyn Haltom, another member of the University of Michigan’s chapter of College Republicans, shares her views: “I think this protest is completely justified. It’s a publicly funded school. Why should it be promoting any political views?” Haltom and Jankowski both show their passion for their political beliefs and what is fair and just amongst the University and its events.
Another senior, Hillary Bok, states, “I think it’s totally fine that the University of Michigan held that event. We have freedom of speech! It’s not slander or libel. That’s part of what being an American is. You can have an event somewhere and express your opinion if you want to. That’s the beauty of our country.” Bok explains that people should not be offended by others expressing their views because freedom of speech is one of the many privileges that our country embraces.
The true beauty of this situation is the capability of the women at our school to be so strong as to publicly expressing their opinions on such a controversial matter. So many people live their lives day in and day out and never express their opinions. Students at the University of Michigan, however, are confident and bright enough to stand up for what they believe in and fight against what they feel is wrong. While the board of regents may currently be facing a protest, they should be nothing but proud that the students at this University are so strong willed and passionate.