Student activism has a long history on campuses throughout the country.

Recently, two MSU activist associations, Students for Economic Justice and Direct Action, have faced negative press following recent activities. In both of these instances, these groups had not organized their own demonstrations but, rather, staged opposition opinions to predetermined events resulting in poor impressions of both groups and harming their image among the student body.

Differing opinions are crucial to the social framework of our society and ought to be encouraged. However, presenting those opinions in a framework of a reactionary setting creates a divisive atmosphere and further galvanizes the views of both side, hampering hopes for a civil debate and compromise. Perhaps it would be advantageous for organizers of all activist groups to keep in mind that activism ought to be about active involvement, not reactive badgering.

Michael Rohwer
international relations senior