Recently, Oklahoma Wesleyan University President Dr. Everett Piper penned an open letter to college students throughout the country. The letter, titled, "This Is Not a Day Care. It's A University!," has since then sparked massive debate across various social media platforms.
Piper's letter opens with a summary of a recent encounter he had with a disgruntled student. This student voiced his disgust and his feelings of being "'victimized'" after sitting in on a chapel service on campus. The whole service was dedicated to one particular passage in the Bible, Corinthians 13. For anyone who is unfamiliar with this selection, the section is a letter from Paul, in which he explores the concept of love. The most well known line is "Love is patient, love is kind." This student because he himself does not "show his love," claimed to have been offended and disturbed by the speaker's teachings.
Piper then goes on to say that America's youth today has been brought up to be incredibly "narcissistic" individuals. Piper claims that, "anyone who dares challenges [the youth] and, thus, make them 'feel bad' about themselves, is a 'hater,' a 'bigot,' an 'oppressor,' and a 'victimizer.'"
Dr. Piper could not be more right. As a college freshman myself, I see examples of this self-centered and superior way of thought manifested in some of my classmates.
There are students on my private, Catholic university's campus who feel as if they are victims just for attending class here. When our school celebrated the Christmas season by lighting the giant pine tree on the University Green, some students who do not celebrate the holiday chose to express their disapproval of the tradition. In fact, some individuals were especially rude, choosing to complain with offensive comments about how our University does not focus nearly as much on other religions' holidays like the Jewish Hanukkah, the Hindu Diwali, and the Muslim holidays, like Ramadan.
Now, personally, I feel like our school devotes a lot of resources to the number of multicultural organizations found on campus. These organizations and clubs are also incredibly popular among students. Seton Hall even declares October as Multicultural Month on campus, and there is an event devoted to a different culture every day. In fact, freshmen students are required to attend at least one of these events as a part of their university life course. Of course, more could always be done. I'm all in favor of even more events to showcase the diversity of the student body found here at Seton Hall.
If these individuals feel "victimized" because a priest blessed the Christmas tree during the lighting ceremony at a Catholic institution, perhaps they should approach the matter from a different viewpoint. Even though the modern, American Christmas holiday has distanced itself from the original Christian holiday, maybe these disgruntled and offended students should immerse themselves in the religious traditions of their University's faith. As a student of a Catholic school, one does not need to convert to the Catholic faith, nor do they even need to agree with the Church and its beliefs.
As a student who prides herself on her open mind towards other cultures and religions, going as far as to pursue a career in diplomacy because of my appreciation for other cultures, I urge my peers to join me. Appreciate my beliefs while you educate me on your culture and religion. If we did that, college students across the nation would become more tolerant and accepting of those who have beliefs that differ from their own.
You do not need to agree with every single individual who you come across. In fact, it is encouraged that one should not agree with every opinion thrown their way. However, it is expected of students to respect the beliefs and opinions of others, especially if it differs from theirs.
By respecting the views of others, one is furthering and expanding their education.
Isn't that what we're all here for, anyway?
