Ryan Martin – Campus Editor
Ever since Covid-19 arrived in March 2020, so much has happened in such a short time. We have a new president, we have seen social justice issues come to the forefront, and most people have had to adjust to working from home. The Political Science Club has provided a place for students to come together and discuss these rapid changes in an open and safe environment.
The Political Science Club has had a lot to talk about over the past year. The club has discussed many topics relevant to students, including the election, the impact of COVID-19 and the vaccine and the shift to virtual learning.
“The club members drive the conversation,” said Professor Kari Hebert, Assistant Professor of History and Political Science at Broward College, and sponsor of the club. “We spent a lot of time on election issues and hosted several events for the College. The impeachment was a hot topic, along with the situation at the border, the debates and Covid policy.”
The club’s events have been a huge success, receiving program of the year for their One Direction remote program featuring speakers on election issues in Fall 2020.
Due to the controversial issues being discussed, it’s important for students to have the proper time to speak and the ability to speak freely. It’s easy for positive and honest discussion to quickly turn into heated debate and name calling. This has not been the case for the club.
According to Hebert, the discussions have been positive, allowing students to hear different points of view and learn from each other. “Students have been extremely respectful of each other’s opinions. We all learn from different points of view.”
The club has been an outlet for students, as they can attend the meeting and have open discourse about what’s currently happening in politics. With many students not having much political awareness or not having a place to properly discuss issues where they can be honest and ask questions, the club has been an important escape for them.
The shift to online meetings has been a positive one for the club. Members have stayed engaged over the past year and multiple students who could not make it to the club’s meetings on South Campus before Covid have been able to attend and add their thoughts to the discussion.
The club meets on Mondays at 12 p.m. on Zoom. If you want to join the club, you can email Professor Hebert at khebert@broward.edu.
