Political science department offers place for students to discuss current events

Political science faculty have created a space to discuss current events and the political climate with students every Friday at noon in the Munster University Center room 212. 

Each meeting lasts about 45 minutes, divided into 15-minute segments to cover different topics. They’re kept short to allow students to come and go between classes, though people are welcome to stay longer if they are able.

In their meeting on Oct. 12, discussion topics included the race for governor of South Dakota and the tax increase for cigarettes.

Previous topics have included the Brett Kavanaugh hearing and the current heated political climate in the U.S.

Ed Gerrish, assistant professor of political science and the leader of the discussions, said he believes the group is a good opportunity for people to discuss current events.

“We meet once a week and we talk about American politics because there’s a lot going on. There’s a midterm election coming up and there’s a lot in the news now,” Gerrish said. “We thought it would be a good time for students and faculty to have a chance to talk about what’s going on.”

Students and professors on campus are both welcome to come and share their thoughts.

Krista Honomichl, junior criminal justice and political science major, said she enjoys viewing topics from different perspectives.

“It’s really good to just talk with people over certain topics and get the different perspectives of people,” Honomichl said. “Even if they’re on the same side of the issue I may be at they may have a point that I’ve never thought of so it’s good to talk about these things.”

Rose McLaughlin, junior international studies major said the meetings bring students together and gets them more involved in politics.

“I think that politics does affect every part of our lives but I also understand that politics can be really messy,” McLaughlin said. “Coming to these really helps you learn about not just what’s going on internationally but what’s going on locally and in South Dakota and also in the larger federal United States, and I think it’s a really good way for students to get involved and start bridging that world.”

The group offers a space for positive discourse about politics and is open for anybody to join in on the discussion.