The Observer, April 6, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 23
Share the Vision forum to offer insight into Iraq hardships
For all the media coverage and nationwide discussion of the Iraq conflict, sometimes those who are more removed from the war find themselves unaware of the experiences that come along with being personally involved. The Share the Vision Committee and USG intend to change that by co-sponsoring the upcoming Open Forum, "Bringing the War Home to Case."
Comprised of faculty, students, and staff who share the goal of ensuring a humane, just, and respectful campus environment, the Committee reached the consensus that while Case students have diverse opinions about the war in Iraq, many times they are not able to hear about the hardships of those who are either participating or have a relative involved.
"The intent is to put a human face on the conflict in Iraq," said Mayo Bulloch, head of the Share the Vision Committee. "We hope the program will [prompt Case students] to want to know more about the war."
Leading the forum will be moderator Dan Moulthrop, from 90.3 WCPN radio, and panelists will include Erin Monroe, a Case graduate student in English who has a husband serving in Iraq; Joe Mueller, a member of the Christian Pacemaker Teams, who recently returned from Iraq; Keith Schnell, an undergraduate at Case in ROTC; and Paul Schroeder, Adjunct Professor of Political Science at Case, who lost his son in Iraq and founded Families of the Fallen for Change (http://www.fofchange.org).
The Share the Vision Committee is still in the process of adding panelists in the hope of exposing students to different viewpoints. They would like to be able to include a faculty member or student of Middle Eastern descent, but any additions to the list of panelists have not yet been confirmed.
The goal of the forum is to make the campus community aware of the common hardships faced by those who come from entirely different social spheres. To that end, the forum will also be centered on audience discussion. "We encourage audience participation and welcome diverse views on a difficult subject," Bulloch said. Microphones will be placed throughout the audience to ensure that all questions and comments are addressed.
Students seemed optimistic about the opportunity to hear from those with different experiences. "I know that so many people on campus come from different backgrounds," said student Chris Hernandez. "It will be an opportunity to expand the dialogue here at Case."
Others agreed, with Linnie Hasely adding, "It seems people with family [involved in the conflict] often see many effects that others would never think about."
The forum will be held outdoors during Community Hour, 12:30-1:45 p.m., on Friday, April 13 at the KSL oval. Refreshments will be served. In the event of rain, the discussion will be held in Thwing Atrium.
