Conservative Student News

It feels like it was only yesterday that we were distributing the first issues of the St. Thomas Standard.  Now, nearly two years later, we are still distributing the paper.  We have had our share of setbacks, like finding piles of the newspaper in recycling containers around campus, but these have merely strengthened us and helped us to grow.

                There is a need for free and open dialogue on all college campuses—not just St. Thomas.  Wait, I take that back: There is a desire for free and open dialogue in the academic setting.  As college students, we want to be treated like adults.  We want our professors to trust us enough to form intelligible thoughts and form our own opinions.  We want to hear both sides, and we deserve to.  Isn’t the whole point of a liberal education to teach people to think, not how to think? 

                In an ideal world, professors would not be afraid to assign conservative textbooks or bring conservative speakers into the classroom.  Students, exposed to a wide spectrum of beliefs—liberal, moderate and conservative—would have lively debates over topics.  Unfortunately, such discussions are nearly non-existent on this campus.  Why?  Students cannot debate a topic if they only know one side of the issue. 

                The good news is that this trend is beginning to change.  The St. Thomas Standard has created a new venue of thought and discussion.  It gives students the rarely heard, but often felt, conservative viewpoint at their fingertips.  The paper is teaming up with the Young America’s Foundation to bring conservative pundit, Ann Coulter, to campus on April 18, 2005.  Conservatives have a voice, and it is growing strong and confident.  May our liberal friends embrace our efforts and challenge us to a lively debate soon! 

                My thanks to God, my family, and all of my staff and mentors for your help and support in creating this newspaper.  It wouldn’t be here without you!