For months now, presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton have monopolized the media with their views and ideas for the future of the country. While they heavily debate domestic and international affairs, the typical high school student is left staring at the screen, thinking to himself, “What is going on?” The Jesuit Political Society aims to end such confusion.
Founded by seniors Clay Walters and Vincent Billings, the club seeks to raise political awareness among Jesuit students and “create a place where people can share their ideas respectfully and even hear opinions that contradict their own,” according to Walters. With the climax of one of the most controversial and polarizing presidential campaigns approaching, it is vital that students, especially newly eligible voters, gather as much political knowledge as possible. The student body’s “lack of political knowledge and interest” inspired Vincent Billings to join with Walters and create the club, for, as he sees it, Jesuit students are destined to become “leaders of their generation.” Knowledge of political issues are vital in achieving this goal.
Completely student led, the club presents a unique opportunity to Jesuit students to learn about or debate modern political issues without fear of judgment or discrimination. Each week, the directors of the club will discuss recent updates and information concerning their political topic: foreign policy, economics, social issues, domestic issues, immigration, and environmental issues. “It’s great any time students seek to dialogue about current events,” Mr. Knize emphasized, and it has true “potential to grow.”
Mr. Asche, the faculty moderator of the Political Society, hopes that “the conversations move beyond the club and into the halls,” transitioning from debates held in the meetings to common discussion between friends, serving to further spread political awareness in the student body. He also emphasized that “political interests spread further than this immediate election to other pressing political ideas,” highlighting that the need for awareness is not limited to the presidential election.
The club also encourages underclassman to join its ranks. Meetings held during 6th period, the club is easily available to all juniors. Lucas Black ’18, Director of Economic Issues, emphasized that the club “poses fascinating debates each week” and feels that “more juniors should get involved because a lot of us are 17 and getting ready to vote, so we need to broaden our political spectrum.”
All meetings are held in Mr. Asche’s room, B111, on Wednesdays during 6th period. Hope to see you there!
