Professor Dave Blow recently received an anonymous letter in his school mailbox criticizing the university for not being inclusive to all political parties.  

It was addressed to Blow as advisor of the student newspaper, and “to all whom will harken to this plea” 

The letter begins by recognizing the “deep philosophical feud” between the democratic and republican ideologies. The author of this letter writes that this “feud” has caused tension in our lives from social media to what is being taught in the classroom. 

They also wrote that this conflict should not be taking place on college campuses because college serves as a “neutral ground for political discussion” and where students can be “free thinkers” and “explore other opinions.” 

The letter makes a point when saying that college campuses should be a place to explore other opinions. This is completely understandable, as college gives young adults more ways to learn about different perspectives. 

But they believe Castleton University is not inclusive when it comes its conservative thinking students. 

They also make a point that there is little to no conservative events and clubs on campus. 

But in the past, there has been a Republican Club, though it is currently inactive as students have not restarted it yet.   

The author writes that if Castleton is going to present itself as a college that is inclusive to all, then it needs to be inclusive in all aspects. 

While the anonymous author makes points about a lack of representation of conservative minds, they all lack impact after this statement: 

“The “inclusive” goal and nature of campus has been centered on one or two sects of students, leaving the rest excluded and feeling abandoned, lost, and unimportant,” they letter says. 

But the letter then later goes on to saying, “All across campus, there is a profound sense of a common or accepted belief that the university endorses. Images, symbols, language, and events found in every corner of campus suggests that the university takes more of a stance on politics than it does a background role; imagery such as having a “Black Lives Matter” and “LGBT” flag flying high in the center of campus. Meant to promote inclusiveness, these symbols take on different roles and meaning when presented to those who are not of the same political alignment or even religious alignment, for that matter-they alienate.” 

There is nothing wrong with the college advocating for basic human rights. 

And just because there are people who may not “agree” with these rights, it does not mean they are being alienated.  

The images, symbols, language, and events that advocate and educate people are not political or pushing an agenda. 

They are providing the resources for students to understand other perspectives. 

And to make those who are treated different because of who they are feel seen and heard. 

So when walking through campus, remember that just because you don’t agree or understand, or that it does not align with your political or religious beliefs, it does not mean it’s excluding you.