As Tuesday’s groundbreaking of the George W. Bush Presidential Center approaches, groups have been gathering to voice their opinions. Many SMU students hold mixed feelings, as some see advantages to the Center’s presence at SMU while others have expressed concern.
“I think that it will bring more media attention to our University because a lot of people don’t know enough about SMU,” sophomore Gaby Diaz said.
Sophomore Michael Davis shares Diaz’s sentiment.
“I think it’s a good addition to the school because it’ll bring more attention…it’ll foster new ideas,” he said. “Even if you don’t like Bush, it’s a big deal to have any presidential library on our campus and to be chosen for that kind of an honor.”
Junior Gavanne Davis, a Hurricane Katrina evacuee, originally held a negative view of Bush, but experienced a change of heart after Bush’s memoir, “Decision Points,” was released last week.
“At first, I didn’t care for him too much or the decision[s] that he made during his presidency, but after [reading] the new book that was released, I realize that he is reflective on the decisions that he’s made,” Davis said.
“Regardless of how I feel about him personally, I feel honored that I attend SMU and that a presidential library will be here,” she said.
While junior Bethany Mackingtee is in support of the library, she fears that it will discourage some students from applying to SMU.
“I think it’s a good thing to bring to campus. However, my one concern is it might attract a certain demographic of students that may not be what SMU is looking for to diversify the campus,” she said.
Junior Courtney Kelly is concerned about the lasting effect the library will have on student life.
“I think that it’s an incredible opportunity for SMU to gain prestige, but the effect that it’s going to have on the campus is unknown,” Kelly said.
Several students said that the library should not be viewed solely from a political perspective.
“It’s customary for every president to have a library, and the fact that SMU gets to have it is an honor. I feel it shouldn’t be looked at as a political thing,” freshman Andrew Udofa said.
“I think the Bush Library truly will be a great resource for SMU students and the community moving forward; despite your views on former President Bush’s politics, it will be an asset to SMU for years to come,” junior Matt Gayer said.
“I know, in general, that there’s a lot of people, especially in the Dallas area, who aren’t necessarily his fan, but regardless of their political thought or association, I think that having this library at SMU, the heart of Dallas, is a great asset and resource for students and community members alike,” junior Jacky Negrete said.
Senior Linwood Fields feels that the library will give the public a new perspective of the former president’s time in office.
“It’s an honor to have a presidential library because it gives people the opportunity to actually examine the former president from different perspectives and to form their own opinion about his presidency,” he said.
“There are pros and cons because it’s ridiculously expensive, but it’s already paid for. So on that note, it’s going to be a huge asset to our campus, and it’s going to be beautiful,” sophomore Ellen Green said.
