Sadie Roraback-Meagher: Heya Evan!
Evan Wang: Hey, Sadie. How’s your semester winding down?
Sadie: “Winding” doesn’t seem very fitting. A better question would be: How is it crashing down in flames?
Evan: Wow, I sure am going to miss your pessimism this summer. What will I do without you?
Sadie: Well, you can always look at the news to cheer you up!
Evan: Sigh.
Sadie: You know, despite all the doom and gloom in the world, Tufts has been giving me hope. Compared to its peer institutions, Tufts has shown exceptional resilience in light of what has happened on our campus. From University President Sunil Kumar co-signing a letter pushing back against the Trump administration’s attacks on universities to filing a school-backed declaration in support of Rümeysa Öztürk, Tufts has been taking a stand against the current threats facing higher education.
Evan: It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, though. While Tufts has certainly made moves supporting international students and combating President Donald Trump, it is still lacking when it comes to engagement with the general community. Just look at the carpenter protests or the full-time lecturers’ walkout. Tufts hasn’t done much to address these demonstrations, all while carrying on like it’s a normal Tuesday.
Sadie: Well, well, look who’s the pessimistic one now! But I see your point. Tufts is not free of flaws, even though it has been doing a good job presently. As seen in the case of Columbia, whose administration floundered in the face of Trump, things could always be worse.
Evan: Is that optimism I’m hearing?
Sadie: I’m just trying to brighten the day for the grads.
Evan: In that case, let me be the negative one instead.
I question if institutions should be political juggernauts. How much should universities be wading into the political deep end — shouldn’t that be the job of individuals and communities?
Sadie: I agree with you a bit, but your point actually has me thinking about something else: How will this graduating class go forward in the wake of political threats?
Personally, I’ve been quite moved by the number of op-eds from Tufts alumni that the Daily has received in the wake of Öztürk’s detainment. I hope this graduating class will continue to be engaged with the Tufts community.
Evan: I agree. Seeing all those community members join in the conversation was encouraging, but I wonder if it will truly change the university’s politics. I’m inclined to believe donors are the ones who have the biggest sway.
Sadie: Well, I can’t say that money doesn’t talk, but I think you are underestimating how important a vocal alumni network can be.
Evan: Sure, I can see what you’re saying. But for this alumni network to be impactful, more people need to join in. Whether that means signing a petition or submitting op-eds to the Daily, I hope that this graduating class will make an effort to join in the conversation and show what change really looks like.
Sadie: Agree! It will certainly be an uphill battle going forward.
Evan: Well, that’s just life on the hill for you.
