By Carter James, Editor in chief

I’ve walked on the bricks of The University of Montevallo for the past four years. Some of my best days and worst days have been spent at this institution. No matter how much this school continues to change for better and for worse, I’ll always defend it from people like you.  

Montevallo has not caved to the “woke mob.” There is no woke mob.  We are a diverse group of students, some of whom are concerned about their safety. 

This is not a public denouncement of Montevallo’s Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapter. Differing political opinions are needed to understand different perspectives. I firmly believe in free speech. I hope that Montevallo TPUSA goes about their mission for political engagement in a fair and constructive way. It’s completely understandable that students would be worried about the Kenneth Bryan Dawson event on March 5.  

I don’t care about his political beliefs. I care about his controversial past. His criminal record is worrying. The audience surrounding him worries me. The fact that this school is not properly equipped for a speaker that can bring about outside parties to attend worries me. It is not ludicrous to say that proper measures should be taken to ensure that there’s enough security and safe measures in place to ensure this event is safe for the speaker and those attending Montevallo.  

The postponement of the event from Feb. 12 to March 5 has brought about unwanted attention to this university. From internet personalities to one of our US Senators, this has now been spun into the web of a never-ending culture war.  

In response to the postponement, Dawson said “Montevallo is feeding the left what they want; we will be Minneapolis if we keep caving to these college radicals.”  

A statement not of civil response, but rhetoric designed to rile the masses.  

Before postponing the event to a later date, the university sent an email reassuring students that extra safety measures were being taken in place for the event. An email that entailed that the event would still go on and that students are not compelled to attend.  

When I walk these bricks every day, I do not see college radicals. I don’t see signs of the university turning into Minneapolis, Minnesota. I see over 2,000 students that are all different, unique, and wonderful human beings.  

Thespians and athletes walk hand in hand. There’s a friendliness that you won’t find at a bigger institution. Democrats, republicans, Christians, atheists, queer, straight, all kinds of people from all walks of life are welcomed here and have platforms in which they express themselves. There is and has been a peaceful coexistence and embrace of everyone fromeveryone.  

To admit, I have always wondered what I love about this university so much. I could never give a definite answer. Despite the rapid changes. Despite the long days full of homework and extra curriculars. Despite everything in my life, Montevallo has always been a place of comfort and acceptance for me.  

It is heartbreaking to see what outside parties think of this beautiful institution. I know they have not walked these bricks. Felt the comfort of knowing your professors personally know and care for you. The connections I’ve made with people from all walks of life. The thrill of our athletic teams winning. The joy of seeing talented artists shine on the stage and through their work.  

Those on the outside can call us whatever they want. I and every student, faculty member, staff member, administrator and alum know that the University of Montevallo is a place where you belong.