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Seaver College Student Government Association Hosts Iraq War Week  

Seaver College Student Government Association Hosts Iraq War Week

The Seaver College Student Government Association (SGA), in conjunction with Intercultural-Affairs, will host Iraq War Week beginning Monday, Nov. 26, through Friday, Nov. 30, on Pepperdine's Malibu campus. The event, which includes an expert panel and debate, will be the first major forum related to the war hosted by a student organization at Pepperdine since the conflict began four years ago. 

Pepperdine professors Dan Caldwell, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, and Robert Kaufman, professor of Public Policy, will debate the issue of U.S. involvement in Iraq on Monday, Nov. 26, at 7 p.m. in Smothers Theatre. Also giving his unique perspective on the war will be Richard Nye, a Seaver college student who recently returned to Malibu after a tour with his Army unit in Iraq. The panel will be moderated by Andy Canales, SGA president.

“As the elected representatives of the student body, we believe it is our responsibility to model democracy,” said Canales. “We believe it is necessary for us to host an open forum for discussion where students can bring numerous perspectives to issues that relate to our community, nation, and world.”

One of the ways students can participate in this discussion on this issue is through the Freedom Wall located outside the Tyler Campus Center. Throughout the week, SGA senators will post pictures, quotes, facts, and questions. Students are encouraged to directly write on this material or to post their own.   

Social action and involvement is also a major component of Iraq War Week. On Thursday, Nov. 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Sandbar Café, students will have the opportunity to directly correspond with soldiers overseas through a writing activity.

“SGA believes that we shouldn’t be stuck in a bubble in Malibu, unaware of the major events that are happening in the world around us,” said Canales. “It is our hope the Iraq War Week will spark discussion, debate, even controversy, bringing with it more opportunities for open forums in the spring semester.”

For more information about Iraq War Week, please contact or visit the SGA Web site.