The opportunity for a civil, equally balanced campuswide forum which MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Dean Jeffery Armstrong mentioned in the column Civil discourse must be based in science (SN 4/10) is an educational experience I would welcome.
MSU was founded as the first land-grant university and the first institution to teach scientific agriculture in the U.S.
Let’s remember our roots and be one of the first to offer campuswide events presenting both sides of the animal welfare and agriculture issues.
Our university was first established to become educated about agriculture — farmers were encouraged to learn better management practices and improve the quality of the land and natural resources.
Thursday’s Meet Your Meat forum proved that MSU students are open to dialog and can discuss issues professionally and respectfully. I came to this university, like many others, to learn about agriculture.
I want to learn all sides of the issues we face when we buy groceries, care for our animals or build new facilities. I want to be open with my peers and leaders of the industry to join together and create the best possible solutions.
This is a life lesson I encourage MSU to provide for its students. Let’s not let Thursday be the last time students come together to discuss.
Just as MSU is known across the world for its study abroad, let’s be known for encouraging campus forums for the industry upon which we were founded.
Nicole Schaendorf
agriculture and natural resource communications junior
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