Wesleyan students pride themselves on their ability to learn from, and possibly respect individuals who hold a variety of viewpoints. For some Wesleyan students, this ability is pushed to the limit, and even snapped, by individuals who support conservative causes. Instead of criticizing Bennet’s contributions because Bush is anti-abortion or visited Bob Jones University, students should rally behind the causes they support, countering speech with speech.

Students often laud political activity and, in fact, criticize Bennet for attempts to forge Wesleyan into an academics-only, nonpolitical place. By contributing money–arguably the most meaningful form of political action–Bennet is leading by example and encouraging political involvement.

Bennet stated that while he believes that his contributions should be publicly available, he feels no need to explain the complex motivations behind his choice of candidates. The position of president of a university extends beyond 9-to-5 attendance at meetings and signing letters encouraging seniors to complete their senior surveys. Although Wesleyan University cannot be embodied in an individual, as the president, Bennet–and his public actions–represent the University. 

It is therefore understanding that students are concerned with Bennet’s political leanings. If the President’s decisions affecting the University are not consistent with student opinion, we should criticize him. But despite this intimate relationship with Wesleyan, Bennet is still an individual–he retains his right to support and vote for
the presidential candidate of his choice.