As we are all aware, the Young Conservatives of Texas are yet again pushing for a referendum that will kill the special interest seats on campus. It is logical to assume that this push would have ended last year, when the student body decided that these seats did more good than harm, but here we are again.

I am confused by the YCT’s actions in this regard. Would it not be better to have these seats removed when racial equality, diversity and interaction have been brought to this campus? Why does the YCT continue to pursue a negative campaign that leads to alienation of the minority students at SMU and continues to make us look apathetic to the nation? SMU is a wonderful school, and I am proud to attend it, but there is truly a lack of diversity on this campus, and it saddens me. The makeup of the student body and organizations like Student Senate show that this is a primarily white school. While that is not bad per se, we as an institution should pursue a more diverse campus to better equip students to be leaders in a world that values multiculturalism.

These seats are important to allow minority voices to be heard and to show that this campus is willing and open to allow all students a voice and a right to learn in a welcoming environment.

In an ideal world, these seats would not be needed, but racism and de facto segregation are still prevalent in America. Until the day those are overcome, minorities not only need but also require representation and a voice.

Why is it that YCT hinders this process by pursuing a negative campaign to end these seats before true diversity has been achieved?

It would be more beneficial if YCT focused their actions on positive change, seeking to make this campus more equal, diverse and welcoming, so that one day we can end the special interest seats and truly say that SMU represents America, the world and the value of equality and diversity that make up what it is to be human.

Ben Wells is a sophomore anthropology major. He may be contacted at [email protected]