​It is no secret that Bard students are interested in progressive politics. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), a candidate for president on the Democratic ticket in 2016, is a true progressive. He has proven his willingness to meet supporters in crowds ranging from 300 people to 30,000. He doesn't ask for a splashy entrance or a huge table of hors d'oeuvres, nor does he command the $250,000 asking price Hillary Clinton does per speech. Bernie Sanders will come to your event for $562. That's essentially the price of transportation.

The right to vote and to be involved in the political process is one of the most important powers granted to U.S. citizens by our Constitution. It is important that Bard College, a place to think, allow its students a forum within which to have a serious discussion on the issues. Allowing Bard Students to question and seek information from a man who could very likely be the next President of the United States is the very definition of liberatory pedagogy. In the past, speakers such as Junot Diaz and Matt Taibbi have come to talk to Bard students about literature, Wall Street reform, and other pressing issues. Please allow Bernie Sanders the chance to galvanize Bard's students toward political action, regardless of their party affiliation.