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 $622. That's essentially the price of transportation. (Source: http://www.vocativ.com/news/206872/hillary-clinton-speech-cost-calculations/)

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. Bernie Sanders will only be brought to Annandale-on-Hudson, however, if we can demonstrate that the demand is there. Will you sign the petition?