By: Meaghan Roland Photo by: Meaghan Roland
The Milligan College Republicans group is beginning their second year strong. Political interest and involvement plummeted last year after the election, with the average attendance of meetings dwindling to five individuals. The group now consists of forty-six members.
“It’s good to have students involved in current issues that may not necessarily be talked about in the classroom,” says Professor Mark Peacock, the group’s faculty advisor.
The group’s mission is to educate the campus about the Republican Party and its values of limited government. The group hopes to help students realize why they hold the opinions they have and to educate them on politicians and candidates, the political process, and how to make political connections across the nation.
Recent conversations in meetings have been about the government shutdown, the Affordable Care Act and the debt ceiling rising again.
“These groups act like they no longer think of each other as Americans,” says sophomore member Nathan Aquino. “If we can stop this mentality from getting into the college students’ heads then they can grow up knowing that each party’s intentions are to further our country and not simply their own agenda.”
The Republicans group hopes to continue to grow and become an important aspect of the Milligan campus. Future plans include hosting a campus wide debate and inviting local politicians to speak at meetings.
“Debates are healthy ways for students to explore issues and educate students of the different views on campus,” says Peacock. “It allows students to focus not only on national issues, but on state issues, and definitely local issues.”
Currently there is no Democratic Party group on Milligan’s campus, but the group is positive about the possibility of one starting up in the future.
“We would love that!” says junior Luis Treviño, president of the Republicans group.
“As the new political science major grows,” explains Dr. Amy Edmonds, assistant professor of political science, “I think there will eventually be more interest in having a Milligan College Democrats club as well.”
“We want people of all affiliations to come and learn,” says Treviño. “We want individuals to give their own opinions, provide rebuttals, and make interesting arguments. We don’t just want a one-sided campus.”
Meetings are every other Monday at 8 p.m. in Derthick 202. Non-members are welcome to attend.
If you are interested in joining the group or attending a meeting, contact one of the group’s officers. Officers are Luis Treviño, president; Hunter Shepard, vice president; Emily McGee, public relations manager; Sierra Plese, secretary; and Luke Dendis, treasurer.
Look out for the Milligan College Republicans party in the Buff Nation Celebration Parade at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26. More information can be found on the Milligan College Republicans Facebook page.
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