New Conservative Club at UAS looks to have free exchange of ideas, and encourages diversity

By BROOKE KELLER
Staff Writer, UAS Whalesong
University of Alaska Conservative Club (UACC) is a new student organization at UAS. The club intends to initiate political discourse at UAS campus, encourage political diversity, and challenge certain stigmas
Conservatives generally believe in personal responsibility, limited government, free markets, individual liberty, traditional American values and a strong national defense. Also believe the role of government should be to provide people the freedom necessary to pursue their own goals, according to Student News Daily.
There hasn’t been a right leaning group on campus since 2005, according to UACC President, Taylor Stumpf.
“Here on campus people with certain political opinions aren’t allowed to express them,” Stumpf said.
Conservative Club was named with intention.
“The term Conservative was chosen over Republican because the club wants to encompass a wide range of beliefs. The group encompasses political ideals across the spectrum,” said Stumpf.
The club’s purpose is to have a free exchange of ideas. “The club has characteristics of a safe space but isn’t an echo chamber,” Stumpf said.
UACC not only welcomes diversity but encourages it.
“The group wants to spark up discussion between liberals and conservatives,” said Vice President of UACC, Kieran King.
King recommends people get out of their bubble because that’s where real discussion begins.
For many politics is a hot button topic, but it’s important to start a conversation, challenge beliefs, and learn new things.
“Politics isn’t a two dimensional spectrum,” said UACC member, Alex Mellis.
To date the club’s highest meeting was 14, but the group would like to have more people involved.
UACC Secretary, Milagro Darby, said it’s difficult to find other women who share similar political beliefs, but she would like to see more women join and discuss more controversial topics, like birth control, “UACC is a very supportive and encouraging club,” said Darby.
The UACC meets every Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. in Egan library and welcomes anyone interested.
UACC also has a facebook page where different topics are posted for discussion. The purpose of this is, “To help people get out of their comfort zone,”said King.