FROM THE ROTUNDA FLOOR Young Americans Looking Up
BY SUZANNA MCKINNEY , CHAIR , CENTER FOR LAW & ADVOCACY
Of the dynamic experiences brought to life through CPA ’ s Institute for Cultural Engagement ( TICE ), the opportunity for students to travel remains distinct . As the new Chair of the TICE Center for Law & Advocacy , I had to experience it firsthand to understand exactly why .
At the end of October , a small group of Law & Advocacy students traveled to Washington , D . C . for a two-day intensive in the District . Students first attended a youth-led roundtable hosted by international advocacy group Wired Human to discuss child online safety policy . They heard from seasoned advocates , tech industry leaders , and fellow students from around the country about the layers of challenges facing youth in today ’ s online landscape . Students left motivated and empowered to own their digital futures .
Additionally , students “ ran the halls ,” to meet with Congressional members from both the Tennessee and Alabama delegations . U . S . Senator Marsha Blackburn ( TN ) took time to greet us and explain the importance of civic engagement and smart policy , especially as it relates to big tech . U . S . Senator Katie Britt ( AL ) hosted our group for a meeting , where students took advantage of the opportunity to banter about SEC football and ask questions about her current slate of legislative priorities . U . S . Senator Bill Hagerty ( TN ) mingled with students on the steps of the Capitol Building and shared about his time as the United States Ambassador to Japan and his heart for serving the citizens of Tennessee on the Hill .
Students spent nearly three hours in an unscheduled visit with Alabama Congressman Gary Palmer . With less than a moment ’ s notice and without hesitation , Congressman Palmer waved the group into his personal office , where they gathered for introductions . He asked students about their Law & Advocacy coursework — he was specifically interested to know if they had studied our founding documents . He explained his belief that a firm understanding of Constitutional theory is key to every future endeavor students ’ may take into public service . He also invited them back that evening for a private , personal night tour of the Capitol Building .
After much needed rest , food , as well as a stunning sunset boat cruise along the Potomac River , students met Congressman
Palmer back at the Capitol . He led them through its gracious rooms and imposing hallways , stopping to tell stories about the artists who designed them and the statesmen who made history in them . He invited students onto the floor of the House Chamber , where they sat in member seats and faced the Speaker ’ s desk , which was – at the time – vacant and embattled . Students laid on their backs on the marble floor and looked up at the Capitol Rotunda . They gazed out over the National Mall from the Speaker ’ s balcony . With the Washington Monument to his back , Congressman Palmer counseled students to complete their studies , to become excellent at something they love , and to build a rich life – knowing that one day the call to service will come . “ And when it does ,” he challenged , “ Answer it .”
The next day , the group piled into a 12-passenger van and set out towards the FBI Training Academy at Quantico for a private tour with Special Agent and Hostage Rescue Team ( HRT ) Operator Christ Wettingfeld . We saw Hogan ’ s Alley , a fake city complete with a neighborhood , bank , sandwich shop , and myriad of other businesses . Students heard about how Hogan ’ s Alley is used to teach agents to run a full-range of operations in a realistic environment . They drove the TEVOC ( Tactical Emergency Vehicle Operations Center ) Course and learned about how agents earn various evasion , tactics , and emergency response certifications . They looked on as newly-minted FBI Agents celebrated that day ’ s graduation with their loved ones . Finally , they arrived at the Hostage Rescue Team ’ s facility for a tour of the tactical training house , canine unit , and team cages . After taking students through a comprehensive , behind-thescenes look into life on the Hostage Rescue Team , Special Agent Wettingfeld gifted them with badges bearing the HRT motto : Servare Vitas ( to save lives ).
For these Law & Advocacy students , this trip demonstrated the sacredness of the Christian calling to public service and civil discourse . Students gained rare access to our country ’ s leaders and the work they are doing beyond the headlines to preserve the future of our nation – the future they now understand to be theirs to tend . Amidst this group ’ s developing skills , passions , and ambitions , I watched these experiences snap their “ why ” into focus .
What could be more valuable than that ?
20 PURPLE & GOLD 2023-24