Open discussion to discover truth
Kevin P. Suhanic
freshman
One cannot truly understand their own position until they understand the opposing position. This fact should be obvious in a college that prides itself on giving students a strong liberal arts education. It seems so simple — for example, it would be impossible to understand pacifism without understanding the position of those who believe in military intervention.
So one would think that this prestigious university would allow opposing groups to have their views heard, even if unpopular. People would laugh if the College Republicans were allowed to organize and the College Democrats weren't. It would be one-sided and we would learn nothing, whereas the political exchanges between the two groups may have helped students decide how they will vote.
The problem is this: The University will only let one side of many issues be heard. Why isn't a gay student association allowed to form? What about a pro-choice movement? How would students in support of the death penalty fare if they tried to form a student group? How you feel on these issues is irrelevant, the fact is that Notre Dame students are being deprived of the opportunity to explore their own views in an unbiased environment.
Now, I fully recognize that some of these groups may hold beliefs contrary to the University, and I do not believe that the University should have to fund groups opposed to its views. But it should allow them to exist. If you have never been confronted with reasons in support of, say, the death penalty, how can you be convinced of your views?
It is true we have the Center for Social Concerns (CSC) on campus. It should be renamed the CCSC, or Center for Certain Social Concerns. It is doubtful you will find a lot of opportunities to help with the feminist movement there or many other liberal social movements.
I am not saying that the University's beliefs are wrong, in fact I would not be interested in many of the groups I have mentioned. While it is fair that the University should not have to fund organizations that are contrary to its mission, it is wrong to deny students the opportunity to explore both sides of an issue, without the university's biases interfering.
Think back to your classes. Where did you really learn the most, in the classes where the professor espoused a certain model or in the classes where you could discuss various view points and point out strengths and weaknesses in either side? Usually you will learn when you can question, and it is wrong to deny students this opportunity. It is time to let thought run free, so students can discover their own truth, rather than being told what the University's version of the truth is.
Kevin P. Suhanic
freshman
Morrissey Hall
Oct. 29, 2000
All Viewpoint Stories for Thursday, November 2, 2000
