A liberal breeding ground: The University of Minnesota

University_of_Minnesota_entrance_sign_1

University_of_Minnesota_entrance_sign_1

Growing up in the suburbs older individuals who I admired always told me that colleges were liberal, and that my religion, ways of thinking, and beliefs would constantly be under attack. They were right. Over the course of my three years in college I have been called a “bigot,” “hypocrite,” and “unintelligent,” because I am a conservative living in a liberal breeding ground: the University of Minnesota.

I have often felt that my beliefs and convictions have been viewed by my peers and professors as unintelligent, and my credibility has been viewed as lacking because I am a white, Christian, middle-class man. I have felt as if my peers and professors think I am not entitled to views on political matters because I carry far too much “privilege. “

The University of Minnesota operates on the principles of diversity and tolerance, yet the same supporters of these policies tend to be the least tolerant people I know, and view diversity only as differences in skin color and ethnic background, rather than differences in thought processes. The great conservative commentator William Buckley describes this sad state of affairs perfectly by stating, “liberals claim to want to give a hearing to other’s views, but then are shocked and offended to discover that there are other views.” Many liberals claim to be tolerant, but only are until you disagree with them.

My point isn’t to say that every liberal is intolerant or not truly for diversity of opinion, but rather to say that the University of Minnesota is actually decreasing diversity of thought and opinion by enacting the policies it has. If the University is so for diversity why are there so few conservatives teaching in departments like Political Science and Global Studies?

In addition, a select but vocal group of increasingly liberal students demonize conservatives in the classroom and on campus, effectively silencing many conservatives who would like to speak their views but fear the social consequences. We as conservative students must resist the temptation to censor our opinions so others don’t feel uncomfortable, and we must force ourselves to stand for our principles even when it means we are the only ones standing. Let your views be known, and understand that people are going to disagree with you, but it is better than remaining silent.

It took me over two years to finally stand up in class and on campus for principles I believe in, and I regret not having the courage to do so earlier. I sympathize with those who are nervous to be outwardly conservative, but I encourage you to remember that there are others like you. Standing for conservatism may not be easy, but it will be worthwhile. In order to progress the conservative movement, we need your help.