A concerned crowd of faculty, staff, and students gathered for the first of a series of events about the state of our democracy and the importance of staying involved and informed as much as possible. 

The presentation titled ‘This is Not Normal and It’s Huge’, which is part 1 of the ‘Teaching in the Present Moment’ series, took place in VTSU’s Herrick auditorium on Mar. 28. It featured professors and students who are heavily involved in educating others about the political atmosphere. 

The event was the first of a three-part series, a series which is also part of Public Philosophy Week. 

Prof. Brendan Lalor introduced the presentation and stated that this was not a rally for any political party but instead was meant to pose one question:  “Our topic question: Is the government breaking laws?”  

Prof. Rich Clark officially began the discussion by stating that the gathering was not meant to rally against anyone, but rather to help people understand the processes by which our political system operates. 

“This is not a partisan matter that I’m addressing today,” Clark said.  “I’m hoping that I’m not going to spend a lot of time talking about policy at all.” 

Clark explained the importance of staying informed about what is going on around us, especially among younger people. 

“If you’re under 25, this has been your political reality,” he said.  “You have no life before Donald Trump.  It’s hard to imagine that this is not normal.” 

VTSU student and activist Andy Cole pointed out how those who speak out against the government are punished. 

“We have seen college students who are the age of many people in this room being punished for speaking out and being vocal,” Cole said.  

Cole also described the experience of being a transgender individual dealing with the current political climate. 

“So, I am a transgender student.  I lived in an area that was not very forgiving to people,” Cole said.  “But there’s a big difference between the people in my town criticizing me for my identity and my government purposefully going after me.” 

Cole passionately stated how the government is trying to eliminate minority groups that do not coincide with their agenda, essentially erasing the progress our democracy has strived towards. 

“You have a government body that is purposefully trying to make an enemy out of a minority, and also that encourages the erasure of their mention,” Cole stated.  “It’s not up to a government to decide what kind of person is allowed to exist or what kind of person it will choose to recognize.” 

Dr. Jacob Park challenged the notion that what we are seeing is not normal. He pointed out that what we are facing may not be so different from what we have seen in the past. 

Park argued that the constitution has made for years of social injustice and that this is not the first time we have seen administrative abuse of power. 

Clark agreed, mostly with Park’s viewpoint, but also countered by pointing out that the current president may be the first that be “anti-constitutional”, whereas others have not caused this kind of concern for democracy. 

Cole stressed the urgency for everyone to keep themselves involved and informed considering the overwhelming situation we are facing. 

“They are trying to overwhelm you with so much new information and constant information that you become complicit with the changes,” Cole said.

According to Cole, the best way to combat the constant abuse and false information by the powers that be is to stay vigilant and involved in any way possible. 

“The best thing you can do at this time is vote for your senators, call your local reps, go to protests, and organize with your community,” Cole explained.  “There are such small actions you can take every day as a form of protest because you are existing.  You are consciously existing while being engaged.”