These Students Are Opening Doors to Different Points of View

Political science major Aaron Bolonick, A26, thinks of himself as a liberal and wants to make sure his perspective is heard. But he also likes to consider the merits of an argument, even if it is antithetical to his own beliefs.

That’s what inspired him to join the committee planning the Center for Expanding Viewpoints in Higher Education student conference. It seemed like a unique opportunity to get out of his own political comfort zone. 

“I feel like the problem with talking about anything political these days is it often falls into people getting worried about saying something that will offend their own side,” Bolonick said. “You can obviously identify with different parts of the political spectrum, but it’s OK to have your own ideas.”

Bolonick is one of six students who are organizing the Expanding Viewpoints Symposium 2026 on April 17, which is open to juniors and seniors from Tufts and other area colleges. The organizers are focused on creating an environment where students can respectfully discuss questions about civic life, politics, and culture and constructively disagree.

Tufts junior Whitney Critchfield, another committee member, was one of four students who co-founded The Tufts Tribune, a campus publication dedicated to sharing diverse perspectives. Now president of the publication, she has made free speech a priority and helps students express themselves, even if it’s uncomfortable. It’s a mission she’s taken with her in planning the symposium. 

“I want students to feel like they’re learning, like they can ask questions,” Critchfield said. “It’s such a privilege to have these experts in the room, and to have a low-stakes way to interact with them, learn from them, and ask the big questions. We’re the next generation who’s going to be answering a lot of these questions.” 

As a biology student, Critchfield believes she brings a different perspective to the table when it comes to the political discussions that will take place at the symposium. “Many Tufts students are STEM majors. We ultimately want this conference to be tailored to all students, not just poli sci majors.” 

She said it’s important to her that students are exposed to thoughts outside their own bubbles, which is why the event is open to other students from the Boston area. 

The lessons the student organizers have learned will carry with them beyond their time at Tufts. Committee member Elle Cutler, A26, a history and sociology student who plans to attend law school, said the work has encouraged her to continue to explore free speech and open inquiry after she graduates. 

“This has helped show me that we can have these conversations in educational settings in respectful, constructive ways,” Cutler said. “I think the symposium is a culmination of wanting to bring different viewpoints to the forefront.” 

Bolonick is interested in going into either social work or law, and he knows being able to consider other people’s perspectives is a valuable skill to have in those fields. He hopes students get an understanding of the importance of ideological diversity like he has through the process of planning the symposium.  

“I hope that students gain a greater sense of confidence,” he said. “When I’ve pushed back on something that an important person has said at some campus event or talk, I get very intimidated because my ideas probably aren’t as sort of bulletproof as theirs. I think you just have to go for it, and you probably will learn something interesting along the way.” 

Critchfield hopes students walk away from the conference with a deeper understanding of the issues—and each other. 

“These are the efforts that need to be made to combat polarization,” she said. “It’s about putting yourself in places where you’re going to hear things that you’re not used to. Projects like this are how we’re all going to come out on the other side a little bit better.”