A majority of those politically involved at Ball State can sense students' apathy. Yet, each group's social and political philosophy, and its stance on broad issues, include many topics which could directly touch students' lives.
Abortion, gun control and affirmative action have been topics of debate for decades. Each group's view on these issues has a strong foundation in its political and social philosophy.
The groups also addressed the issue of student apathy and its prevalence at Ball State.
APATHY
Each group agrees: An overall lack of political participation afflicts most of Ball State's students.
Every on-campus political group has a different idea of why this is true.
"Students on campus are political," said Sarah Voyles, the chairwoman of the Young Socialists. "They are just not action-oriented."
Voyles said students express political beliefs but do nothing to act on them.
In a nation predominately divided between Democrats and Republicans, Matt Sharp, a former member of Young Socialists, said he thinks most students take the view their parents' hold.
College Republican chairman Tim McVey said he senses an apolitical ideology in all student activities.
"There is a general apathy toward being politically involved across campus," McVey said. "People feel they don't matter."
But McVey contends they do.
"College students are a heavy concentration in one area," McVey said. "That can sway a number of local and even federal and state elections."
Along with the feeling of insignificance comes the reality of responsibility. University Democrats chairman Adam Stant said students' hectic schedules can deter involvement.
"The problem is not people caring," Stant said. "The problem is finding the time to do things."
Stant said what sets Ball State aside from most colleges is the number of full-time students who have jobs.
"Students here have to pay their way," Stant said. "This is a working-class college."
John Cranor, professor of political science and adviser to the University Democrats, said most college campuses are apolitical.
"They have no major causes," Cranor said. "Students have an overabundance of opportunities to engage themselves in and are inundated to a point that is overwhelming."
Cranor also said the age of college students is a factor. People between the ages of 18 and 21 are going through an intense period of adjustment, he said.
"They are dealing with issues of survival," Cranor said. "Some work part-time or full-time, and traditional political involvement is moved to the back burner. It's a fact of life."
Cranor said most people become politically involved later in life, after they have settled into a career or profession.
Still, Cranor said being "apolitical" does not entail being "apathetic."
"Young people are usually pretty well-involved in their community church, volunteer groups or activities," Cranor said. "Politics is just another one of those activities."
Cecil Bohanon, professor of economics and adviser for the currently inactive Young Libertarians, said political involvement is not easy for most people to do.
But sophomore Seth Lemmons said he is willing to restart the Young Libertarians. He said he is ready for a challenge, however, because he agrees students are politically neutral.
"Some people don't care," Lemmons said. "If something is not directly effecting them at the time, then it is easy to forget the issue and say there is not really a problem."
ABORTION
Though the groups have a general outlook, most of the political leaders said the groups' stances vary according to the individual.
McVey said most Republicans are pro-life.
But one of the lines between Republicans and Democrats forms here. Stant said most Democrats see abortion as a choice.
"Everyone believes in a different choice," Stant said. "There are nuances, but it is usually seen not as birth control. It's used in more of an emergency.
"Abortion usually occurs when there has been a mistake. There is a lot to be said for education of birth control and other programs."
The Young Socialists support women's emancipation. Voyles said most Socialists take a pro-choice view, but one does not have to take that stance to be considered a Socialist.
Bohanon said Libertarians are also for legalized abortion. He said Libertarians tend to be individualistic and are traditionally against government involvement in personal matters.
"If in doubt, don't let the government do it," Bohanon said.
GUN CONTROL
Gun control is an issue about which most political groups agree.
The issue comes down to each group's view on violence. Democrats, Republicans and Libertarians agree people should be able to own guns, but there is a need for responsibility.
"Guns are weapons, and they must be handled responsibly," Stant said.
Lemmons said Libertarians believe Americans should be able to own guns under certain circumstances.
"We believe guns are something people should be able to have as long as they do not hurt," Lemmons said.
The political principles of the Young Socialists does not address specific gun control, but they oppose war.
Sharp said some Socialists believe the proletariat may have guns to fuel a violent revolution. Sharp said he believes violence is not necessary to take over capitalists. He is for gun control, he said, because he opposes violence.
McVey said the majority of Republicans believe people should be able to own guns, though he suggested a trigger lock may be helpful.
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
The Republican view of affirmative action is negative.
"We want equality," McVey said. "And affirmative action gives people like minorities and females an advantage. Everything should be based on merit."
Bohanon said Libertarians are not for affirmative action. It requires government involvement in the hiring process.
The Democrats and Socialists had similar views. For them, equality was a top priority.
"Affirmative action is part of social justice," Stant said. "After the history of our country, there needs to be a calling for that."
Stant said there is a reason for guaranteeing groups have access to all possible opportunities, but they should not be given a job based on race, sex, religion or a similar issue.
"It is more of an issue of access than entitlement," he said.
Socialists agree, Voyles and Sharp said.
"Our view is the political policy of the government should always be on the side of the worker," Voyles said.
According to the political principles of the Young Socialists, the organization opposes all forms of exploitation and oppression. Allying with the worker means offering every person every opportunity possible, they said.
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