A new student organization is looking to provide a safe space for learning and discussing policies and political topics.
Point and Counterpoint, co-founded by Elyse Adrian and Casey Knutson, is here to provide more opportunities for civil political discussions amongst students. The two senior political science majors hope to bring their vision of addressing political apathy on campus, encouraging students to learn and share their thoughts on political topics.
“We really want to connect to other majors outside of political science and get them talking and learning about politics, so we just really hope that we can bridge the divide and combat some of this polarization going on in our campus,” Knutson said.
From attending the SNF (Stavros Niarchos Foundation) National Student Dialogue at the University of Delaware, Knutson and Adrian identified the issue of political apathy on BGSU’s campus: there is a lack of organized political conversation amongst students, no middle ground.
“Some students feel as if they don’t have a space to talk about politics because it feels awkward to bring it up or they are worried they will say the wrong thing, so they don’t get involved,” Adrian said. “Over time, it almost becomes second nature to divorce politics from your everyday life, which breeds apathy.”
With a partnership through the Democracy and Public Research Network, or DePo, the mission of providing a platform for civil political discussion is making its move on campus. BGSU’s Democracy and Public Research Network was founded in the fall of 2024, tasked with various activities to inform those learning and growing in the community of policymakers in Ohio and further.
“The DePo is the main support of P/CP because we didn’t want it to become a student org where you have to have a hierarchy of leadership. We wanted to maintain our council style, so made it a program under the DePo. Fortunately, our mission fits very well with the DePo missions, so it was a no-brainer,” Adrian said.
This organization is not limited to political science majors or those who enjoy politics alike. It is meant to be an open forum for various students to come together.
“I think with political science, something you learn so much is how to discuss politics in a friendly way and how to facilitate a discussion that does not get out of hand. So I think that’s where we come in, especially with the conference we attended,” Knutson added. “It was really about learning how do we facilitate these discussions and in order to make sure that everyone is heard, but it is still a safe space for all members.”
Similar to the format of The Day of Dialogue hosted at BGSU this past fall, Adrian explains that the organization will look to hold a similar mission. “P/CP will be non partisan. Not in the traditional way where you can’t show any opinions on an individual level, but in that sense all views are welcome. We welcome democrats, republicans, libertarians, socialists, conservatives, non affiliates, etc.” Adrian said. “We already have places on campus that are reserved for only one party or belief system, so we are starting a place where everyone is welcome to discuss politics.”
Point and Counterpoint will have their first mixer Feb. 6 in the Student Union room 213 at 6 p.m. Those interested should visit the student org’s Instagram for information about meetings, other events and those on the board.
