Loyola University has welcomed the College Democrats as an official organization on campus.

With hopes of pushing the campus towards a more active liberal view, political science senior Dwayne Fontenette attended a Student Government Association meeting to explain why he thinks political clubs will expand opportunities for all students.

“The purpose of this organization is to enable students with Democratic views to discuss and engage in the political process,” Fontenette said. “We also encourage students to advocate for liberal causes.”

The members who make up this organization are students who have been participating in political activism around the area as well as in Florida. One important plan they hope to set in motion is to regularly travel to Florida to inspire Democratic votes.

“As a club, we will be able to promote it officially,” Fontenette said.

Although the idea of this organization is to encourage students to stimulate political thoughts and views, several SGA senators felt a bit uneasy about chartering an organization that could potentially separate the student body.

“I understand the direction that they want to go in; however, I feel that this organization could cause controversy on campus,” said SGA senator Alexander Thuku.

Fontenette assured them that they will entertain opposing views and will not discriminate. The plan is to let students get more involved and have the opportunity to have a political voice through debates and panels.

Blake Corley, SGA senator, explained that this will be the political leeway for students to start networking and be more active on a national level.

“This nationally recognized organization allows Loyola students to network and become involved in the political system at a more national level,” Corley said. “I hope that this organization takes the unique opportunity to bring political leaders and politicians from the Democratic party to Loyola and encourages students to get involved themselves.”

Blake Bernier can be reached [email protected]