Political science students research ways to end genocide for class project

Genocide is generally viewed as an issue that only affects third world countries. However, Emporia State students enrolled in Introduction to Political Science may understand that this is not the case. Michael Smith, assistant professor of political science, assigned a class project to help his students become directly involved.

“Most Americans have heard of Darfur and genocide, but don't know how much we can help,” Smith said.

In his political science class, Smith screened the movie “Hotel Rwanda” as he has done for the past couple of years. Just recently, he found a book entitled, “Not on Our Watch,” which is co-authored by one of the actors who played a starring role in “Hotel Rwanda.” Once Smith read the book, which raises awareness about genocide in Darfur, Smith wanted to construct a project around it. According to Smith, the book contained a lot of material about what others can do to help.

Smith's students read the book and then came up with their own concrete plans to help end genocide. He wanted them to all take action for something larger. The students were then assigned to write a four-page paper describing their actions and how they will continue their efforts in the future.

Stephanie Russell, sophomore art major, is one of Smith's political science students. As a large part of her project, Russell recently submitted a letter to the editor, which was published in The Bulletin. In her letter, Russell encourages others to join in the efforts to end genocide and explains that each effort makes a difference.

“An act I encourage and implore my peers to perform is to at the very least write a letter to one of our elected officials,” Russell wrote. “Make sure they know that we, the people, are concerned with everyone's rights and freedoms.”

To continue her efforts, Russell plans to send her own letter to state representatives so that they may become more aware of the issue. In addition to the letter, she has also joined a group on Facebook and continues to educate herself regarding the events in Darfur and Sudan.

Jon Leach, senior social science major, is also in Smith's class. For his project, he is organizing and filing the paperwork for an ESU chapter of an international group: Students Taking Action Now: Darfur (STAND). Leach still has to submit a written constitution of the organization so that it can become approved. Once this occurs, Russell and other class members plan to participate.

STAND members plan to meet monthly and to have a tri-president position in order to evenly distribute responsibility and make sure that things are accomplished. Mainly, the group will discuss and deal with issues and conflicts concerning genocide in Darfur.

“I encourage anyone to come in and educate themselves,” Russell said. “Every little bit counts. It just takes a little more effort from individuals.”

Smith said he would like to continue projects like this in the future. However, he isn't sure whether he'd like to focus on different issue or continue to raise awareness about Darfur.