Listen to the radio interview on Central Florida Public Media:
Stetson Students Unite Against Political Violence
The interview starts at 22:40.

Stetson sophomore Mackenzie Cunningham is president of the Stetson University College Republicans. Junior Asher Sochaczewski is the president of Stetson College Democrats.

Following the murder of political activist Charlie Kirk, the two students sat down for an interview with Engage on Central Florida Public Media, the NPR affiliate in Orlando. The show said, “In the wake of an increase in political violence, Stetson University college students are setting an example in civil discourse and finding common ground.”

Cunningham and Sochaczewski have been friends for a year and share an amazing number of similarities, except for political ideologies. Both are in the Pre-Law track, majoring in political science, and both serve as senators in the Student Government Association.

Cunningham also is majoring in Environmental Science while Sochaczewski added a second major in Environmental Studies. Both are interested in pursuing environmental law and entering politics one day.

Said Cunningham, an Honors student: “I think that Stetson and especially Asher [Sochaczewski] and students like him have challenged me to think more critically about my views and my ideology. And it’s a good push. I think Stetson helps you not only understand others better, but also better understand yourself.”

Added Sochaczewski, a Presidential Fellow and Bonner Program Scholar: “I think Stetson really does a great job of —  going off of what she said — encouraging the dialogue that might not happen if they didn’t encourage it with the ‘Things We Don’t Talk About At Dinner’ [series]. There’s just so many opportunities to be civically involved on campus and, for such a small school, as well, it’s amazing.”

— Stetson Today