To Walk Out or Not?

If the United States attacks Iraq, professors and students who oppose the war are planning a walkout, a move that is already stirring controversy on campus.

According to a plan created by the Tufts Coalition to Oppose the War with Iraq (TCOWI), after an attack is declared, students and professors who oppose the war will walk out of classes and go to Goddard Chapel to join in a teach-in. The teach-in will include discussion groups and anti-war speeches from participating professors, who will focus on their areas of expertise.

According to TCOWI organizers, the walkout and teach-in will demonstrate opposition to President Bush's foreign policy. So far, about 20 professors and 30 students have signed the online pledge to join the walkout, and that number is expected to increase.

History Professor Steve Marrone, a supporter of the walkout, stressed the importance of faculty involvement. "The consequences of this war will be so great that it requires an active public reaction, especially from those inside the educational system," said Marrone. "This subject is of extraordinary importance and needs to be addressed by both students and professors."

According to TCOWI member Phil Martin, walkouts offer an alternative form of expressing resistance. "Walkouts are a way for people to get involved who may not feel comfortable protesting and want a more passive way to resist," said Martin.

However, people who don't support the walkout argue that the moratorium will affect all students regardless of their opinions on war.

"For those of us who are not directly opposed to the war, it's a disruption," said freshman Sheena Harris. "I don't necessarily feel it violates my rights, but it is a hindrance of sorts on classes."

Brian Goff, another student who plans not to participate agreed. "I feel there are just so many more constructive ways to demonstrate," Goff said. "A walkout alienates groups that are not willing to penalize both their education and the money spent on education, whether they oppose the war or not."

Rebecca Batchelder, student organizer for TCOWI, sees the walkout as an educational opportunity, not a disruption. "We are not calling for the canceling of classes," she said. "Rather, we are requesting that classes revolve around this issue. It is the duty of professors to educate students about matters that are relevant to the world."

In order to address concerns his students might have, Professor Marrone has discussed the issue with each of his classes. He has emphasized the importance of students' awareness of relevant current events and the responsibility of professors to involve themselves in making students aware. Marrone said students in his classes felt the walkout was an acceptable measure.

TCOWI emphasizes that the purpose of the chapel teach-in is to offer the opportunity for students whose teachers are not participating to learn more about the attack, and to join in group discussion.