I write today as a senator in the Student Government Undergraduate Senate representing the Class of 2015, but first and foremost as a student of the entire student population here at American University.
I also write as a student who does not support Gov. Jan Brewer or her policies she has implemented in Arizona. I most certainly do not support the immigration law that she signed in 2010; but to me that is irrelevant.
I attended her speech in hopes of learning something about her beyond the immigration law to help expand my political horizons.
I, and 6,657 undergraduate students, were embarrassed Friday night as Gov. Brewer walked out of the speech she was giving that was sponsored by the AU College Republicans.
She left as a group of CASJ members and AU Occupiers, among many other groups, performed an “Occupy”-famous “mic check” before the question and answer session commenced after her speech.
I believe in free speech, expression and all of those rights. I also believe in respect and dignity. I believe in entertaining discussions and conversations from all sides of the isle, hearing all points of view and respecting our elected officials.
She is the governor of a state and should be allowed to make speeches across the country without disruption.
It’s not an effective form of protest and I believe it to be just plain rude.
You want real change? Go campaigning on the weekends for candidates that you support. Work to repeal laws you don’t like.
Being disrespectful and foolish is not going to change anything, especially 2,300 miles from her home turf.
I’m not embarrassed for nor do I feel sorry for Gov. Brewer. I’m embarrassed for and feel sorry for the over 10,000 graduate and undergraduate students that attend this university.
I can honestly write this next sentence with no regrets: The people of Arizona elected Gov. Brewer because they like her; she must be doing something right.
Ryan Stanley
Class of 2015
