Parents Q&A: Does “liberal arts” mean a liberal political education?

During Family Weekend 2013, Westminster College President Dr. Barney Forsythe addressed parents and family members with an update about the College, plus a Q&A session. The following is one of a series of blog posts to address questions raised by parents.

Does “liberal arts” mean a liberal political education?

At Westminster College, our aim is to educate, not indoctrinate. Our faculty represents diverse backgrounds, cultures and political views. For example, our political science faculty members represent varying political views – Democrat, Republican and Libertarian. Combined, they share opposing views with our students and teach them how to consider contrasting arguments.

The Westminster educational experience helps college students develop intellectually by learning how to make persuasive arguments and how to think critically. At Westminster, students learn how to encounter and consider opposing views, plus think for themselves and craft arguments to support their own viewpoints.