The College Republicans are back on campus.

A majority Student Government Association senate vote granted the request of College Republicans President Mohammad Iqbal, finance sophomore, and Co-President Stephen Coburn, economics junior, to charter the group during the Oct. 27 student government meeting.

According to Iqbal, there is a need for students who consider themselves Republicans or follow some Republican ideals to voice their opinions. He said one of the reasons students do not express their opinions is because other students or professors intimidate them.

“Take it as a market,” he said.  “There is a demand in the market, but there is no one supplying the tools necessary for expression.  That is where Loyola University College Republicans comes in.”

While the goals of College Republicans are to uphold the ideals of the GOP, the club also vows to increase civic education and participation among students and provide a forum that will aid students in the development political and development skills.

 Student reception on a liberal arts campus is no concern, according to Iqbal.  He considers universities “a melting pot of ideas and diversity, where students strive to learn more not only about the world, but about themselves as well.”

He said the organization will not be exclusively for conservatives or Republicans and will be open to all students and professors who wish to convey their ideas and are willing to listen to others.

A common idea Iqbal and Coburn said they hope to dispel is the fact that members of the College Republicans will have to promote Republican candidates, and they both agree emphasis should be placed on members and their values.

Iqbal wants the organization to reflect Jesuit values.

“As students and members of a Jesuit university, we embrace the idea of a whole, rounded education,” he said. “This is becoming increasingly relevant in an interconnected world, where every individual is in direct contact with different beliefs and ideals.  Therefore, we believe that in order to maintain a whole, rounded education, we must acknowledge and accept others for their ideals, as we should also maintain an open mind.”  

So far, the College Republicans have agreed to help the Loyola Society for Civic Engagement, a non-partisan organization, organize an upcoming mayoral debate.

Charmaine Jackson can be reached at [email protected]