Students of all majors find new perspectives in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C.—Asbury students were in Washington, D.C. from Jan. 25 to Feb. 1 for the
Washington Federal Seminar, an annual political science class taught by Dr. Steve Clements. As
the political climate intensifies during the Trump Senate impeachment hearings, the class has a
unique lens through which to view their experiences.
“On Wednesday, we had a day dedicated to meeting with our senators and representatives. Due
to the nature of the Hill, time was limited; but also with the impeachment trial taking place, time
has been even more scarce for meetings with senators,” said junior Demarion Johnson.
“Being here during the impeachment trial has made the trip very eventful,” said senior Maggie
Richwine. “We are walking around when history is being made! It’s pretty cool.”
While in D.C., the students heard from the likes of Emilie Kao and Jennie Litcher from the
Trump administration, Senator Chuck Grassley, Tim Goeglein from Focus on the Family,
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Representative Gary Palmer and others.
The semester-long class attends a Christian college conference for a week in January, which
is hosted by the National Association of Evangelicals. Those who make up the Asbury
participants in the conference are chosen through an application process. The rest of the
semester is spent studying the intersections of faith and politics.
The Washington Federal Seminar is open to all majors and is an opportunity for students
considering careers in Washington, D.C. to get a taste of a normal day on “the Hill.”
“Having the opportunity to be in Washington, D.C. at such a time as this has been quite the
experience,” Johnson said. “I’ve been able to take a glimpse into my potential career and life.
Attending the conference and having meetings on Capitol Hill, I’ve had perspectives challenged
and broadened through politicians, speakers, and other students.”
The students also have the opportunity to explore Washington, D.C., with some free time built
into the week-long trip.
“The trip is the perfect mix between sight-seeing, getting to experience D.C., and learning about
different policies and social issues,” said Richwine. “We have met representatives from the
House and senators who have spoken about listening to your vocational calling, their passions
within politics, and how we can take action at our college campuses.”
The conference this year touched on topics such as creation care and climate change, religious
freedom and immigration.