The Network of enlightened Women has launched a first-ever scholarship essay contest that asks undergraduate women to contemplate freedom of thought and diversity of opinion on today’s college campuses.
Specifically, the essay prompt asks those interested to reflect on protests from leftist student groups that caused former secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and International Monetary Fund Chief Christine Lagarde to withdraw as 2014 commencement speakers from Rutgers University and Smith College, respectively.
“It is important to promote intellectual diversity on campus,” Network of enlightened Women Founder and President Karin Agness says of the contest. “Too often, students only hear one side of issues on campus. In conjunction with our 10th anniversary, NeW is pleased to sponsor this essay contest to inspire women to reflect on the relationship between conservative principles and campus culture and promote intellectual diversity on college campuses.”
The contest has a deadline of September 7 and the winner will be announced on September 29 as the organization celebrates its 10th anniversary.
As a reward for the highest honor, the winning submission will be published on Red Alert Politics and its author will receive $1000. The first runner up will win a prize of $500.
The essay must be written in 1,000 words or less and submission authors must be females over the age of 18 and currently enrolled in undergraduate institutions.
In May, Condoleezza Rice revealed via Facebook that she would rescind her agreement to speak at the Rutgers University commencement after students protested her planned appearance and criticized her for her role in the war on Iraq.
Days later, IMF head Christine Lagarde followed suit after students and faculty at Smith College demonstrated against her engagement to speak at the college’s commencement.
Look out for the winning essay on Red Alert Politics later this fall.
