By The Editorial Board
Earlier this week, United Student Government announced that it would begin a new series called “Center Stage,” where students could voice concerns in an open, safe environment.
Its purpose, we gather, is for student opinion to transcend an angry tweet or a Change.org petition and assume the form of critical contributions to the campus discussion.
In a press release regarding the event, USG president Nevin Kulangara, GSB ’15, suggests that all students, however passionate, attend the event. Kulangara’s advice should be heard loudly by students. Whether students are club leaders on campus or not, students should attend and voice their concerns.
The first event is scheduled to address an issue many students on campus feel passionate about: freedom of speech and expression. The event will touch on the Report on Free Speech as well as the Maroon Square Report. If the event goes as intended, students who attend will not only come with valuable questions and concerns, but leave with a better understanding of Fordham’s various speech-related policies.
The announcement comes after USG’s mid-year report, which illustrates the group’s focus on issues such as sexual misconduct on campus, environmental sustainability, student businesses and a handful of other campus initiatives.
It cannot be said that one discussion will be a catalyst for change. For all we know, the meeting may not so much lead to unified ideas but an array of more ideas. “Center Stage,” hopefully, will be a place for students to discuss these issues — and more.
We, at The Fordham Ram, support USG’s initiative as we believe it will serve as an important platform to voice student questions and concerns. We have much faith in “Center Stage” and its ability to create a dialogue within the Fordham community at all levels.
Based on current details, this series of talks is poised to play an important role in campus community development. If this initiative goes as planned — and we believe it will — The Fordham Ram fully supports USG’s intentions in this endeavor.
In recent years, many students have noted a severe lack of platforms in which they can freely discuss ideas and concerns, and we feel “Center Stage” is a fitting answer.
As well, the first in the series of “Center Stage” events will begin with a refresher on previous campus events regarding free speech and expression on campus. We feel many students may not be aware of every initiative taken prior and that this short presentation will lend itself to a richer and more informed discussion during the event. This may also encourage students who are not informed to attend this important dialogue, which will increase attendance and enrich the conversation.
“Center Stage” can also serve as a source of answers and clarification for the student body. Sometimes students can be misinformed or unaware of important details regarding Fordham policy, but “Center Stage” will serve as a source to clear up misconceptions.
“If you are unaware of the current policies in this area, concerned about the rights of Fordham students to free expression, or passionate about igniting change, please consider attending this event,” said Kulangara.
Participation is key to the success of such an event. This is an opportunity that Fordham students should not waste. We hope and encourage our community to use Kulangara’s platform to its utmost and wish this initiative success.
