Walkout the wrong idea

Public opinion of the planned student-teacher walkout upon a US attack on Iraq is as divided as the opinions about military action. But in the end, the real losers from such an action are the students.

Of course the planned walkout would be a learning experience. But it is ultimately no different than any other so-called "teach-in." As far as teaching goes, those in charge of such events are clearly just preaching to the choir.

Forget about catch phrases like "educational opportunity." Let's call it what it really is -- a protest by a group of people with homogenous political ideologies, at least as far as war with Iraq is concerned.

Protesting is famously rooted in college life, and its history in influencing Washington politics cannot be overlooked. But claiming that a walkout can serve as an educational tool here implies that a demonstration against war -- like ones going on all across the world -- is somehow a replacement for college courses.

Tufts is far from an inexpensive institution, with individual classes that can be worth more than $100. With this kind of cash being spent, it is hard to justify canceling or missing any classes at all.

Sure, there are probably classes that would fit well with a robust discussion about the ramifications of a US-led military strike. But there are plenty that would not. Try convincing majors in chemistry, biotechnology, or engineering that their time and money would be better spent talking about Iraq than learning what they are here to learn.

The walkout pledge also creates a "with us or against us" attitude that doesn't allow for other opinions or circumstances. Someone could consider himself strongly anti-war and yet not see the need to miss class for a protest.

A walkout is absolutely not necessary. The TCOWI could just as easily hold events throughout the week, if the US moves into Iraq, that students could go to as they choose and as their class schedules allow. It is possible to express political views and still go to school at the same time.