By Mac Weekly Staff

It’s easy to imagine how debate about the closing of a major could quickly cause heightened tensions and heated emotions. But so far, the conversation about the potential discontinuance of Russian Studies among the campus community has been a model of how to discuss issues thoughtfully and passionately. After several years of discussion about the importance of civil discourse at Macalester, it’s inspiring to see it happen about an issue critical to the future of the college. It’s been heartening to witness and report on the discussion, with multiple sides being passionate about their arguments but respectful of other perspectives. We hope this discussion continues to play out in the public arena (including our News and Opinion pages) even now that the town halls are over. It concerns the staff of The Mac Weekly that there is no other public forum on Russian Studies scheduled until EPAG’s decision is made over three months from now. The student body, and other members of the Macalester community, should have a chance to hear about the evolution of the status of the future of Russian Studies. We hope EPAG creates more meaningful opportunities for gathering student feedback. The next news about Russian Studies should not come to students and faculty outside of EPAG as a foregone conclusion.