I’ve been writing these opinions for two years and a lot has changed around TCU. The university added Scharbauer Hall, and Milton Daniel Hall is now a pleasure to live in. One thing I’ve noticed, however, is that environmentalism has changed on campus. Instead of being pushed in my face like it was freshman year, the issue has, thankfully, softened up. The change made me think back to a column I wrote as a freshman but never got published. I thought recalling it would make a statement to environmentalists or those who have environmentalist tendencies.

First, I would like to say that TCU has made a very good impression on me because of its great tolerance of different religions. Despite being a Christian school, I have met many Jews and Muslims. I am sure I have crossed paths with those who have other beliefs 8212; ranging from atheism to Buddhism. In my experience, none of these groups has faced any form of prejudice.

While this tolerance has been extended to different religious beliefs, it has not been extended to different political beliefs.

To make this clear, I will first say that I am not an environmentalist.

I oppose environmentalism to its full extent and equate it to, in the words of economist Steven Landsburg, “a form of mass hysteria akin to Islamic fundamentalism or the War on Drugs.”

I also refuse to recycle paper and plastic on the grounds that it wastes more resources then it saves.

I state my beliefs to make it clear that diversity in environmental beliefs does exist at this university. I feel, however, students do not recognize this diversity.

While at TCU, I have been condemned for not recycling, had to defend myself for not recycling, had to deal with a “lights out day” at my dormitory and live under the theme of the semester, “think purple, live green.”

While I am sure that none of these efforts were meant to hurt to anyone, it is clear that the university and many students are ignorant about the views of others. I find it odd that while the school is called Texas Christian University, I have seen fewer programs based on Christian beliefs than programs based on environmental beliefs.

I have also never seen any political views besides environmentalism being pushed on students. I have never had to justify my religious beliefs to anyone while at TCU. It was merely understood that I have my beliefs while others have theirs. With environmentalism, it feels as if my beliefs have been constantly questioned.

I write this not to argue with anyone or to impose my views on anyone. I also want to let it be known that I do not condemn a group or organization which wishes to promote environmentalism. However, I take issue when the movement is pushed on students.

Michael Lauck is a junior economics major from Houston.