Uniting Students Across Political Divides at Abilene Christian Universities
In the heart of Texas’s Bible Belt, the city of Abilene stands as a community deeply rooted in faith and tradition. With a population of over 127,000, the city is also home to three Christian university campuses, where students are preparing to cast their first votes in the upcoming election. As public radio stations across the state delve into how religious beliefs impact Texans’ voting decisions, the students of Abilene Christian University (ACU) and McMurry University are taking steps to bridge political divides and foster meaningful dialogue.
At ACU, sophomore Marlee Foster leads the charge as the president of the College Republicans. Despite initial hesitations from some students, Foster is dedicated to encouraging her peers to engage in political discourse and find their voices. She believes that religious devotion and political engagement can coexist harmoniously, emphasizing the importance of understanding different perspectives without passing judgment based on political beliefs.
On the other end of the political spectrum, Molly Daugherity, president of ACU’s Campus Democrats, shares similar sentiments. She expresses concerns about the intertwining of religion and politics, as well as the growing divide between political parties. Daugherity believes that it is essential to engage in conversations with those who hold contrasting views in order to break down stereotypes and build connections.
In a collaborative effort to promote dialogue and understanding, students from ACU’s various political clubs have come together for events such as a joint commemoration of 9/11. Brinkley Zielinski, vice president of ACU’s Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA), emphasizes the importance of giving each person a chance to share their perspectives, highlighting the value of open communication and mutual respect.
About 10 minutes away, at McMurry University, sophomores Zach Rivera and Garrison Shin have taken the initiative to bridge political divides on their campus. Recognizing their differing ideological stances, the duo founded the Political Awareness Committee to promote voter education and foster a deeper understanding of political issues. Despite initial challenges in establishing political clubs at the university, Rivera and Shin have prioritized creating a space for respectful dialogue and collaboration.
Rivera underscores the significance of engaging in conversations that challenge assumptions and promote empathy towards differing viewpoints. He believes that respectful discourse is key in breaking down barriers and fostering a more inclusive community. Across Abilene’s Christian universities, students like Foster, Daugherity, Rivera, and Shin are leading by example, demonstrating that political engagement and respectful dialogue can coexist harmoniously.
As the election draws near, these students urge their peers and community members to exercise their right to vote, emphasizing the importance of civic participation and the impact of individual voices. Despite their diverse approaches and perspectives, the overarching message remains the same: every vote counts.
In a time of heightened political polarization, the efforts of these students at Abilene Christian universities serve as a beacon of hope for unity and understanding. By fostering dialogue, bridging divides, and promoting civic engagement, they are paving the way for a more inclusive and connected community. As Texans prepare to head to the polls, the voices of these young leaders remind us of the power of coming together, despite our differences, for the greater good of our society.
