Joe & Jane Midd wax political

Author: James Dolan

In order to figure out where the average student stands on the issues of political activism and affiliation at Middlebury, The Middlebury Campus decided to interview several students at random.

Every student questioned tended to believe that there is sometimes a perceived liberal majority on the campus, when in fact there are more conservatives than many think. Emily Pyeatt '06.5 said, "I think the number of students seems split in terms of democrats and republicans, which many people might not believe." Other students shared Pyeatt's view. Kevin Bergesen '07 said, "I think that the most vocal part of the campus is liberal, but there are definitely a fair amount of conservatives."

The idea that many conservative students are less vocal about their political views was a common point touched on by interviewees. Justin Wright '08 said, "A lot of people that are conservative tend to keep quiet about it. You can see this when a faculty member makes a political comment on something like Iraq or Bush. If it is a negative comment, the students in the class who look uncomfortable, or stir in their chairs, are most likely conservative."

Wright's comment brings up another aspect of politics on campus: the faculty. Every student questioned seemed to think that the faculty leans to the left. Sophomore Lauren Van Wagenen said, "I've been in a couple classes where it was clear that the professor held liberal views. A lot of times they are prompted by students saying something about Iraq, at which point they reveal whether or not they support or condemn the situation."

Bergesen also said, "As a political science major you can often tell whether or not a teacher is liberal or conservative by looking at how they structure each lecture."

All of the interviewed students touched on similar points. None of the students saw themselves as particularly politically active, but agreed that it all depended on whom you know. Several of the interviewees admitted to having both politically active and inactive friends.

Other students believed that a majority of students on campus really are not very active. When asked to explain why this may be, Abby Willman '08.5 said, "I think that a large part of the student body's lack of political activism comes from being in a rural setting, which can sometimes remove students from current events, including political issues and developments," a reference to the notorious "Middlebury Bubble" that insulates the campus.

In general, it would seem that those interviewed believed that for now the political scene would remain loud liberals, mysterious moderates, quiet conservatives and an amalgam of students decidedly indifferent to politics.