At Columbia College, teaching and learning serve a mission: “to shape the public's perceptions of issues and events.” At this moment in history, the most urgent issues before us are the debate over the war and occupation of Iraq, the conduct of the Bush administration's war on terrorism, and the abridgement of civil liberties in this climate of perpetual war. How will we respond?

The Civic Engagement and Responsibility Committee has been established “to encourage civic commitment among its student body, and to give practicality to the College's mission statement.” It will seek to engage the entire Columbia College community on a wide range of civic issues. Initially, the emphasis is on the question of war.

The opinions expressed on this website represent the exercise of free speech by students, faculty and staff of Columbia College Chicago, in accordance with the ancient traditions of academic freedom, and our Constitutional guarantee of freedom of speech as American citizens. The opinions expressed here should not be understood as advocated by or sanctioned by Columbia College Chicago or its agents or official representatives. (For our statement on "Fair Use," click on that link on the navigation bar at left.)

This website has been assembled to help provide focus for discussion, and a central location for documents and other resources. Your suggestions (and hands-on involvement in the site's development) are welcome. Here are some of the links available: