Political activity at Hopkins is lacking, but definitely not absent

Johns Hopkins University may be a mere Marc ride from the nation's capital, but according to some students, political activity here is not what it could be. Random students surveyed about their involvement in and awareness of political organizations collectively claimed that the environment at Hopkins is not one that encourages such participation.

Of students questioned, several felt that they were not at all politically aware. Those who did feel that they were knowledgeable about the political arena or with current events felt that their interest had nothing to do with Hopkins. Freshman Jason Schneiderman, a self-identified and registered member of the Green party, is enthusiastic about politics and recalled attending a Ralph Nader rally in Boston. He feels efforts to form a Green party organization at Hopkins would be in vain.

"There's just not enough interest," he said. However, despite their ambivalence all but two students surveyed claimed affiliation with a political party. Of the 12 asked, five consider themselves to be Democrats, four side with the Republican Party and Shneiderman represents Green party.

For those students who are interested in increasing their involvement, there are several political organizations on campus that would welcome support and new members. In addition to the opportunities available in student representation with the student council and student activities commission and in the organizational aspects of the MSE Symposium staff, more ideological and cause-oriented groups do have Hopkins chapters. The following, according to the student activities office Web site, "gather to discuss political ideas and hold events attempting to promote action in accordance with those ideas" and can be contacted through the activities office: ACLU-JHU, Amnesty International, College Libertarians, College Republicans, JHUnicef, NAACP, Students for Environmental Action, Students for a Free Tibet and Voices for Life. Several of these organizations have Web sites where students can read mission statements about future and past events and obtain further contact information.

Those already involved in such organizations are of course exceptions. Amnesty International President and student liaison to political organizations Cheryl Adackapara really encourages students to find a group that coincides with their beliefs.

"There are many different issues that the political action groups offer to students who are interested in getting involved and within the groups you will find that the ideas and opinions of members are integral for the success of the groups," she said. "Most groups meet weekly and have a couple of large-scale events per semester." She added that, "Even with this level of activity, the groups find it difficult to recruit new members and retain current ones but this year we have been making a lot of progress to solve these problems."

Also, it should be noted that based on the popularity of the International Studies major at Hopkins, there are certainly a good number of students with at least an academic interest in if not domestic affairs, then in worldwide political issues.

"The classes at least have given me much more insight as to how stuff gets done in Washington," said freshman Mike Sheean. Another organization, the International Studies Forum serves those interested in international affairs and IR majors. This group also has a Web site and can be contacted through the Student Activities Office.