The rise of the small-government, anti-tax, decentralized Tea Party movement has been one of the biggest political stories this midterm election cycle. It should not come as a surprise, then, that a student is starting a Tea Party group on campus.
Regardless of what many students think about the movement and its values, Tea Party organizations should have the same right as other political groups to exist. We admire the student launching a Tea Party group at Penn because we support students who stand up for their beliefs — especially controversial ones.
About 84 percent of students who voted on or near campus in 2008 voted for now-President Barack Obama. Many students today may disagree with Tea Party groups’ criticisms of the Obama administration and the Democrat-controlled Congress.
Still, there are students on campus who identify with the Tea Party, and they deserve to have their voices heard. And there are also students who are undecided about politics and should have places where they can learn about all sides of the issues. The more ideas represented on campus, the more the student body can engage in pluralistic political discussions.
The University prides itself on being a welcoming environment to students from all walks of life. Tea Party backers are contributing a valuable perspective and their First Amendment rights should be supported.
