This article is through the opinion of the writer. In no way does it necessarily reflect the values or beliefs of Indiana University Kokomo, its faculty, its students, or others.

Today’s Student Research Spotlight goes to Senior Kyle Richards, the President of the History and Political Science Club and Future Educator. I reached out to him knowing his background in research on Israel and Gaza that he presented last Spring at IU Kokomo’s Student Research Symposium. When I asked him for some information about himself and his research this is what he had to say,

“My name is Kyle Richards, senior at IUK for Secondary Education and History/Political Science, and current president of the History/Political Science Club here on campus.  My areas of interest are public policy and international relations, and I enjoy looking at both through a historical lens due to my other major.  My most recent writing was a deep dive into the Gaza Conflict, an area of the world I’ve been following most of my adult life, using historical perspectives and public policy to show the world’s changing views of both the conflict and the people involved.  As a long time follower, it has been extremely good to see people begin to take that area seriously and realizing the horrors that are going on that way, and I hope that the paper I wrote, “International Reactions to the Gaza Conflict”, and the presentation I gave to the campus at the Research Symposium, have helped people see not only the horrors of the conflict, but take some comfort in how other countries are beginning to take it seriously as well – slowly as it may be.”

• Kyle Richards, Oct. 9, 2025

Mr. Richards is quite correct that there are many horrors going on over in the Middle East, and those should be recognized for what they partially are, Political Violence. However, that is not the only area of the world where political violence occurs. We see it at home and in Europe and across the globe every day. This is something that seems to have become a norm. But such a norm is not ok. Be peaceful, be present, don’t let anger consume you for it through your collected self that solutions can be brought at hand.

I encourage you all to investigate one thing you believe is the cause of political violence. Is it narratives and false news or misinformation? Perhaps someone is spreading a simple lie that turns into dangerous consequences. Look back on our past and find something that can be explained because of an instance someone incited. Something that led to political violence. As we continue with our lives it is important to keep calm and collected minds when things get tough are we disagree with something. This is because violence is never the answer.

In the aftermath of the death of Charlie Kirk, the College Republicans and College Democrats at IU Kokomo are tentatively planning to co-host a joint event that decries political violence in any form, showing unison on a vital issue prevalent today (Spring 2026). They too recognize it is not an answer and so do many of our peers. Together let’s stand against Political violence, and violence of all kinds, as one community. For together we can change the world.

If you feel like you may be a threat to yourself or others, reach out to CAPS, they are a great resource for all students and confidential. Political Violence is not ok, it may forever live in our world but we must endure and accept that we are going to have times we disagree with others, times we are furious and angry, but to take it out on others in any scenario, not just because of political differences, but even opinions or personal reasons, is not ok, and not supported by this writer.