Growing up conservative Growing up conservative (October 20, 2004)

Republican minded students reflect on what it's like to maintain views in liberal area

by Alexandria Rocha

Murray Koch, a senior at Palo Alto High School, remained quiet when her teacher asked "Everybody who hates Bush raise your hand."

The 18-year-old kept shook her head in dismay. She has dealt with a politically-biased teachers time and time again.

Koch (pronounced "cook") is one of a small group of Republican students at Paly amid a mostly liberal student body. In less than two weeks she'll vote for President George W. Bush.

Growing up conservative in an area where registered Democrats more than double Republicans can be tough on teens. Over the years, Koch has dealt with derogatory comments, attacks from other students, and teachers who freely express their liberal political views.

"A lot of people say, 'Oh, you're a Republican? That's terrible ,'" said Koch, who plays volleyball and writes for the school newspaper. "But it has its good aspects because I always have to defend my beliefs and make sure that I know what I'm talking about."

Much like everywhere else, the Paly campus is politically charged with the presidential election just around the corner. Koch said it's common to hear groups of students talking about political issues, and many are involved with Democratic campaigns.

Koch hasn't been involved in any local campaigning, nor has she joined a young Republicans club on campus. But that's only because Paly doesn't have one.

"I walked around at club day looking for the Young Republicans club or one for conservatives, but I couldn't find it," she said.

Both Paly and Gunn high schools had stronger young republicans clubs last year. At Gunn, Richard Di Giacomo -- the teacher who led that club -- said most of the outspoken Republican students graduated last year. At Paly, there just didn't seem to be any support for a club.

Throughout the years, Koch has found support in Cameron Taylor, who is 17, a senior at Paly and also a Republican.

The two grew up together in families with conservative values.

Everyday, the two see Kerry/Edwards pins on backpacks and hear students spout "Bushisms" in the halls.

Koch is confident in her beliefs, but she isn't loud about them. She is against gun control and, along with Taylor, supports the war in Iraq.

Throughout the years, Koch has learned when it's appropriate to state her case and when it's better to leave things alone. In other words, she doesn't invite an argument.

For example, Koch has no problem expressing her views during teacher-led discussions in class. Students won't attack, she said. When political debates explode outside of the classroom, however, she would rather it not be five against one.

Taylor, on the other hand, is more likely to get into a heated discussion. But both students said their political positions have never gotten in the way of their true friendships.

"For the most part, my friends and I all get along and we don't get into anything that's too charged," said Taylor, who plays soccer and tennis and also writes for the school newspaper.

"They all know my views and they tend not to bring them up because I get, not defensive, but I want to explain my view. Because I have four other people saying, 'No, it's this way,'" he added.

Koch and Taylor have experienced intolerance outside of school.

Koch said when a family car was keyed they suspected it was because of an NRA sticker on the bumper. Taylor said he wouldn't put anything on his car that would lead someone to damage it.

For Koch, the constant struggle has led her to apply to more conservative colleges, such as Clemson University in South Carolina or Dickinson College in Pennsylvania. The University of California, Berkeley, is out of the question.

"I went to visit one school that I felt was a little more liberal and it turned me off from the school," she said. "It will be a nice change to go somewhere that most of the people think the same way."

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