To My Fellow Mount Holyoke Students:

In this culture of “safe spaces” and “open door policies”, you would think that I would feel completely comfortable expressing any opinions I might have in any class I might have. However, the more time I spend at Mount Holyoke the more I begin to feel unsafe expressing my opinions, specifically those that do not necessarily represent the greater whole.

Mount Holyoke is a very specific microcosm of the world at large, most of the people you meet are of a similar mindset and have an extremely left wing and liberal political viewpoint. This is not what I have a problem with. My issue with the culture at Mount Holyoke is the tendency to criticize and correct without respect; and the culture of quick judgments. Too often I will express an unpopular or differing opinion, and at least two hands will fly up, ready to disprove my theory and speak their mind.

Initially, this close examination is one of the reasons why I chose Mount Holyoke, I wanted to be challenged by others with different backgrounds and have my opinion questioned and debated and altered. Still, I challenge every student at Mount Holyoke to look inside themselves and find that one opinion that they still keep hidden, the viewpoint they are afraid to share to avoid being judged too quickly.

The order of dialogue is something that needs an overhaul. Debating with respect and keeping an open mind is something we all can benefit from, to maintain the diversity and inclusion that makes this place special.

I urge you all to remember that the one factor we all have in common is, first and foremost, we are students. We are here to learn, not just from our professors, but from our peers as well. So I ask you all to make an effort to listen before judgment and to strive for understanding before we seek to change opinions.

So I challenge you all, as members of this place we call home, and as my fellow students, change my viewpoint. I dare you to make me better, make me think differently. All I ask is that you do it respectfully, show me your side, but let me show you mine too.

Love,

A Fellow Student