The Bowdoin Orient

What does diversity mean on a college campus? For some at Bowdoin, it has to do with a variety of racial, ethnic, cultural, and geographical differences. But for others such as myself, the more meaningful sort of diversity is deeper than skin color and ancestry—the diversity that matters just as much, if not more to me, involves ideas and passions. 

This is particularly relevant with our political discourse. It is common knowledge that Bowdoin is a liberal place politically. Regardless of the active College Republican organization on campus, a largely unfair, reflexive dismissal of conservatism and Republicans continues unabated. In short, there is a pervasive intolerance toward conservative beliefs on our campus, directly in conflict with the ideals of diversity we hold in such high esteem.

Bowdoin is not in a unique position. A November 6 article in the Daily Princetonian showed that of the 157 Princeton University staff members who donated to presidential candidates, only two donated to the Romney campaign, a visiting professor and a custodian. 

Hopefully all Bowdoin students know that Bob White ’77—longtime friend, close advisor, and current campaign chairman for Governor Mitt Romney, spoke in Daggett Lounge just over a week ago. “A Conversation With Bob White” was an unprecedented success as a politically charged event on our campus.