MARCH 5, 2003
The Recorder
by Lee Sawyer

Iraq debate builds up on campus

As U.S. military upsurge in the Middle East continues, the subject of the seemingly immi- nent war with Iraq has spurred intense discussions among fac- ulty and students concerning the wisdom ofU. S.-Iraq policy and the appropriate relationship between politics and academics.

A panel discussion held by the Philosophy and Art Depart- ments on February 20 featured dialogue over the ethical con- sequences of political activity among professors on campus and in the classroom. Concern about expressing opinions out- side the realm of individual ex- pertise became the focal point of the debate, with some pan- elists arguing that addressing current events in an unrelated class might be inappropriate.

While faculty struggle with defining their role in a nation- wide debate, students have taken a proactivc role on both sides of the issue. Dozens of CCSU students have joined ac- tivists from around the world and marched in anti-war dem- onstrations over the past sev- eral months. The Iraqi situa- tion coincides with a recent up- swing in student activism, most dramatically illustrated by massive protests against glo- balization.

CCSU has witnessed the growth of a comparatively small but increasingly outspo- ken group of student activists. Conservatives are talking politics by attending meetings of the CCSU College Repub- licans. According to vice chairman Kris Morris, the Col lege Republicans' membership has had an upswing in num- bers recently.

"We have a core group of committed members," Morris said, "but we arc seeing a lot of new thces lately."

Morris believes that most members support the policics of thc Bush administration, however he cautions that the war should not be considered as a partisan issue. "We are not automatically in favor of this war, but we probably all feel something needs to be done."

The CCSU Progressive Students Alliance (PSA) is another campus group that has risen from humble beginnings to aid in defining the social conscience of the campus community. The PSA has been active with their progres- sive, liberal views.

Scholarly debate from the comfort of classrooms and meeting rooms is a world away from the realities facing students who have been called to serve the U.S. in various branches of the military. More than 70 CCSU students have been activated, a number that is likely to increase as the buildup continues. Students who must withdraw from classes in order to serve are granted tuition refunds.

A statement by President Judd posted on the website for the Office of Veterans Affairs affirms the CCSU administration's commitment to students who serve.

"It is the intent of the university," Judd stated, "to make this transition period as smooth as possible for CCSU students who are serving our country in these cxtraordina. ry and unset- tling times. We are very proud of them, and they have our gratitude for the sacrifices that they arc making in their lives."

One major challenge in criti- cally analyzing U.S. policy on Iraq is to avoid appearing unsupportivc of the troops. Those opposed to the war must not belittle the intentions of the soldiers themselvcs, according to PSA member Natalie Marynczak.

"People serve for a varicty of reasons: the promise of an edu- cation, to better their lives, or as a result of their politics or world view. Their decision needs to bc respected." Marynczak affirmed, "I just want them to come home safe."

The Political Science Depart- ment is sponsoring another panel discussion on Thursday, March 13, at 2 p.m. in tie Marcus White Living Room. This second discussion prom- ises to focus on questions spe- cifically regarding the U.S. policy toward Iraq.