Vivian Cook ’27
holding the McBean Bowl.
Photo courtesy of episcopalacademy.org
Over the course of the past year, the Academy Scholium has had an increasingly difficult time interviewing community members on topics that concern politics. The History Department has requested not to be interviewed about any more contentious political issues, and dozens of students have refused interview requests. Whether this difficulty is rooted in disinterest or fear is hard to say, but the lack of political discussion and civil discourse on Episcopal’s campus is worth a closer examination.
A potential reason why students may avoid political discussion is the discomfort that these subjects can cause. Students are understandably hesitant about being judged by others for their views. Even so, it is in this state of discomfort that students can start learning and growing. Faculty advisor of the Young Republicans, Michael Whalen ’08, believes this uncomfortability is essential for growth, “I think part of education is, or even just part of life, is being uncomfortable. Like, if you’re not uncomfortable at all, you’re never going to grow,” he shares.
In today’s world, new political topics are constantly emerging. This changing and unprecedented landscape makes it even more essential that students continue to engage in discussion about events. Thus, at EA, many opportunities are provided to foster civil discourse. For instance, clubs such as Young Republicans, Young Democrats, and Young Independents offer chances for the sharing of political views.
Clubs such as these offer spaces for political debate and discussion here at EA. The goal is to create a space where students feel comfortable in sharing and challenging each other. Whalen shares what he believes it takes to create a space of productive debate: “I think the first, probably the most important part or quality of creating that kind of space is I think you need to be open and start with creating a sense of trust and respect.”
The Junto debate club represents another opportunity for students to engage in political discussion. While not a political club, debate topics frequently revolve around political issues. The nature of Junto, where students must prepare and research for both sides of a debate, forces students away from the “what” they are debating and towards how they can debate persuasively and respectfully. “I think that it really encourages our students to think about both sides of an argument,” shares Kris Aldridge, Junto debate faculty leader.
Beyond just teaching how to respectfully disagree, the involvement of students in politics can foster leadership and good decision-making. Young Democrats leader Ryann Newcomb ’26 describes the club’s space as one where the goal is to “train young leaders to move forward into the political realm, learning how to serve the public and make decisions for the good of the people.”
The existence of these spaces at EA is a privilege that many can’t take advantage of. “[Public schools] can’t have the Young Republicans and the Young Independents and the Young Democrats. And we’re blessed to have that. We’re blessed to be challenged by our views and our beliefs, and we’re also blessed to challenge others,” Young Republicans Leader Jack Signor ’26 shares.
Overall, there’s a significant stigma around political discussion at EA that must be dissolved. “I would say there isn’t a lot of [political] discussion, especially when I talk to friends from other schools, they talk about politics more,” shares Newcomb. Episcopal offers numerous platforms for civil discourse to occur and provides the resources for political education. It comes down to the students to take advantage of what is around them and make an active effort to support one another to talk about current issues and events, even when they cause discomfort. After all, evolution is impossible when staying stagnant, an issue currently present on campus today.
