The ivory tower is no longer a place for quiet contemplation. The world outside our gates is filled with urgent challenges: climate change, social injustice, economic disparities, and more. These issues are not abstract concepts, they are realities that affect our students, faculty, and communities.

Therefore, I, as a college president, welcome and even encourage a more politically engaged campus. This isn’t about pushing a specific agenda. It’s about fostering critical thinking, open dialogue, and civic responsibility. We need our students to be informed, active participants in shaping their future.

A politically engaged campus is a vibrant one. It means engaging in respectful debates, challenging assumptions, and exploring diverse perspectives. It means organizing protests, volunteering for campaigns, and advocating for change. It means understanding the complexities of the world and contributing to solutions.

Let’s not shy away from difficult conversations. Let’s encourage students to research, analyze, and formulate their own opinions. Let’s create a space where every voice is heard, where passionate arguments are met with reasoned responses, and where students are empowered to make a difference.

A politically engaged campus is not just about the classroom. It’s about the entire campus community coming together to create a better future. It’s about fostering a culture of critical thinking, social responsibility, and democratic participation. And it’s about preparing our students to be the next generation of leaders who can tackle the challenges ahead.