By Andrea Ressler
Bluffton University

	Television reporter Darren Maier of WLIO in Lima, Ohio, interviews Bluffton University student Kristen Shelly of Penfield, N.Y., at a Super Tuesday party planned by the university’s College Republicans and Young Democrats. — Jake Short/Bluffton University

The university’s College Republicans and Young Democrats planned the evening, which included watching the results and dialoguing about them.  

“Though we may not have agreed on health care, the candidates or the war in Iraq, we were able to have a thoughtful discussion that showed respect and compassion for each other,” said Zach Riggs, a junior from Westerville and College Republicans president.

“This event, which crossed party lines, was a reminder to Bluffton students, faculty and staff that we are all people in the kingdom of God.”

Andy Lehman of Berne, Ind., a junior and Young Democrats president, said the event showed what can be accomplished by reaching across the political divide.

“We were able to overcome our differences and focus on our similarities and our common goals — to inform others of candidates and issues, to get people involved in politics,” Lehman said.

The Super Tuesday party emphasized respecting one another’s opinions and viewpoints, said Kristen Shelly, a sophomore from Penfield, N.Y.

“Bluffton’s emphasis on the community of respect means that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but they must live in a way that ensures others are appreciated for their individuality, too,” Shelly said.

Gathering students from opposing parties was one way Bluffton works to model the respectful engagement of religious and political diversity present on campus.

“Political discourse has become very negative, and college campuses are not immune to this,” said Eric Fulcomer, vice president for enrollment management and student life. “What we saw on Tuesday gives me hope that at Bluffton University, we can live out our enduring values of community, discovery, service and respect.”

Plans for the event had been in the works since the 2004 election.

“In the spring of 2005, a few months after the elections, a group of students, faculty and staff started talking together about creating safe spaces for dialogue,” Fulcomer said. “We talked about ways to bring members of the Young Democrats and College Republicans together to model civil discourse for the campus community.”

The university’s Republicans and Democrats hope to have further discussions.