Campus Diversity Groups Chat with President Murray

Politics and religion -- the very subjects many people shy away from -- were on the table during a recent meeting President Mark A. Murray had with a group of students.

Hot subjects of all kinds were addressed at the hour-long informal chat President Murray had with multi-cultural assistants and members of diversity groups around campus.

No matter that Murray is surrounded by college life everyday. He knows that, if he wants to know what life is like for students who live on the Allendale Campus, he has to ask.

'I want students to be able to talk freely and openly with me about any subject they care about,' Murray said. 'I want different perspectives.'

The January 31 exchange with about 20 students was one of several Murray holds each semester with various groups that live in Grand Valley housing.

At this get-together, Murray wanted to know why more people don't stay in Allendale over the weekend. He heard reasons ranging from a lack of activities that would appeal to the students' ages and diverse cultures to the restricted hours of food service on campus.

The students gave their thoughts on the difficult choices Grand Valley will have to make because of the state's budget woes. They felt strongly the university should not increase class size. Several students said a major attraction of Grand Valley is the personal touch of an engaged faculty.

As far as religion and politics, some members of the group expressed concern that the dominant Christian, conservative culture makes it a challenge for them to express differing views or practice a non-Christian religion.

The session ended with a discussion about how to most effectively observe Martin Luther King Day, and President Murray offering his email address for further communication.

'I don't answer all my e-mail, but I read them all,' Murray assured the students.

President Murray's e-mail is [email protected] .