We have suddenly awoken from a deep slumber of apathy in the first few weeks of this spring semester. If you’ve been on Facebook (read: are alive and avoiding the fact that this new semester is well underway) this week or last, you are probably well aware of Reach OUT’s petition. It seems redundant at this point to explain that students are calling for the administration to overturn its decision to deny endorsement to an LGBT student group. You’ve likely either signed the petition or questioned the campaign. Regardless of your beliefs, you’ll likely be following the campaign and the viral media coverage it has generated. The Internet has been alive with debate, and campus voices on both sides of the issue have been loud and clear.
Similarly, the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
has also sparked a strong debate and action among many students at Pepperdine, who’ve signed petitions, used social media to educate others and called their representatives in Congress along with many others throughout the nation, resulting in the suspension of the legislation.
Recent manifestation of these passions on campus are noteworthy because it is so rare to see Pepperdine students up in arms on both sides of any seriously contentious issue. The average Pepperdine student is known for a general awareness of many injustices around the globe, but not for involvement in bold and controversial campaigns. While protests and constant debates are a regular part of student life at campuses like Berkeley and UCLA, Pepperdine students prefer to stick to less contentious issues. We go to documentary showings and make a few donations here and there, but this kind of involvement is often for humanitarian causes. We’re just not comfortable “being the change” when it involves anything remotely controversial.
Something about the culture of campus seems to make students shy away from anything that might start conflict. Taking a stand can be intimidating, and it’s often easier to sit back and avoid conflict. Still, once we educate ourselves and surround ourselves with supporters, engaging with the other side can be exciting. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing even a small victory for a cause in which we believe.
“Truth, having nothing to fear from investigation, should be pursued relentlessly in every discipline.” Let’s take the spirit from our academic code to our causes. We need to start either defending existing policies or questioning them (whether they’re on our own campus or on a broader, national or international level).
Let’s revive the excitement that ignites any time we host a free speech wall. The statements of passion emblazoned on the wall should not stay dormant throughout the rest of the year. Imagine all the good that fervor could accomplish if it was translated into on and off-campus activism. We should continue speaking out on both sides of Reach OUT’s campaign, but more importantly, we should start posting real calls to action on the freedom wall (yes, you too can post anything. The worst that can happen is that it gets taken down.) Keep tabs on other pressing governmental decisions like SOPA. Even if the recent debates don’t particularly interest you, take a cue from that passion and start challenging the campus to care.
As college students, we should be willing to make strong statements on either side of an issue. College is meant to be an environment where students, regardless of their interests or majors, can develop strong opinions for which they are willing to take a stand. We have the opportunity to amplify our voices even louder because of Pepperdine’s status as a top university, to attract major media attention as many organizations have done in the past. Let’s take advantage of that status and make the broader community notice a more engaged Pepperdine.
Let’s carry that passion into the primary season, general election and our future. No, really, do it. Don’t just put down this paper and return to your complacent and comfortable bubble. Think about what makes you angry, start challenging the status quo and build a coalition. Don’t just say you want a revolution — make one happen.