Liam Carey and the Shifting Landscape of Civic Engagement: A Look at Accomplishments and Controversies

The actions of individuals like Liam Carey at Williams College highlight a growing trend: the intersection of civic engagement, activism, and the disruption of traditional norms. While civic engagement is often seen as a positive force, its current manifestation raises questions about its impact on civic knowledge, shared traditions, and the very definition of "protest."

The Commencement Protest at Williams College

During a commencement ceremony at Williams College, Liam Carey engaged in a protest that brought attention to the Palestinian cause. According to Williamstown Police Department (WPD) Chief Mike Ziemba, Carey raised a Palestinian flag and wrote pro-Palestine graffiti on Sawyer Quad, the location of the ceremony. The graffiti, as reported by iBerkshires, was described as "pro-Palestinian or 'anti-colonizers'," with some of it being vulgar and accusing Williams College of funding genocide.

The situation escalated when WPD officers attempted to take Carey into custody. iBerkshires reported that Carey went limp, leading to a charge of resisting arrest. President Maud S. Mandel acknowledged the protest in her commencement remarks, referencing discussions on campus about world events and diverse points of view.

Student Support and College Response

Carey's protest garnered support from some students, including Brodie Leo ’25, who used his moment at the podium to express solidarity with Carey and the Palestinian cause. Leo emphasized the importance of standing for justice and holding compassion for others, urging the college to encourage these actions in practice, not just in theory. Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) also voiced their support for Carey's actions in a statement to the Record.

The College administration, however, took a more cautious approach. According to Lovett, the College has clear protest policies and will address the campus conduct aspects of the incident in due course.

The Broader Context: Civic Engagement or Partisan Activism?

Carey's actions, along with similar protests at other institutions like the College of Staten Island, raise fundamental questions about the nature of civic engagement in contemporary education. Some argue that what is being promoted as civic engagement is, in fact, partisan activism that undermines shared norms and traditions.

Genuine civic education, it is argued, should teach students about the founding of America, its government, and the key principles that define the nation. Productive civic expression seeks constructive engagement within the existing social framework through persuasion, dialogue, and reasoned debate. In contrast, disruptive protests are often seen as attempts to mark territory rather than persuade.

The Erosion of Civic Knowledge

The surge in "civic action" is particularly concerning in light of studies indicating a decline in students' basic knowledge of American principles, values, and history. The American Council of Trustees and Alumni's survey suggests that many college students and recent graduates lack a fundamental understanding of American civic knowledge. This raises questions about whether current approaches to civic engagement are truly fostering informed and responsible citizenship.

The Role of "Action Civics" and DEI Initiatives

Critics argue that dedicated offices promoting "action civics" and general education requirements focused on "diversity, equity, and inclusion" (DEI) may exacerbate the problem. These programs often encourage students to become "peer educators" and "community organizers," focusing on activism for social justice and collective liberation, potentially at the expense of acquiring foundational civic knowledge. Some believe that this framework often presents American institutions and history as fundamentally flawed or oppressive.

The Disruption of Shared Traditions

Graduation ceremonies, for example, represent years of hard work and sacrifice by students, families, and teachers. When protesters hijack these moments for political purposes, they not only disrupt the celebration but also violate a civic rite.

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Finding a Balance: Civic Education for Responsible Citizenship

The challenge lies in finding a balance between encouraging civic engagement and ensuring that students receive a solid foundation in civic knowledge. A proper civic education should prepare students for graduation and responsible citizenship, rather than actions that could be perceived as disruptive or destructive.

Cher's Enduring Legacy: A Parallel of Transformation and Impact

While the discussion around Liam Carey and civic engagement unfolds, it's fascinating to consider a parallel in the realm of music: Cher's transformative career. Just as the definition and practice of civic engagement are being debated, Cher has consistently redefined herself and her impact on pop culture.

From Heritage Act to Pop Icon: The "Believe" Phenomenon

Before "Believe," Cher was seen by some as a heritage act. Her last Top 10 hit in the 1990s ("Just Like Jesse James") was at the beginning of the decade, and her covers album, It's A Man's World, peaked at a lowly No. 64 on the Billboard 200. However, "Believe" revitalized her career, demonstrating her ability to adapt and innovate.

The success of "Believe" was unprecedented. The song spent 21 weeks atop Billboard's Hot Dance Singles Sales and was the year-end No. 1 on both the Dance Club Songs and Hot 100 charts. It also produced the longest gap between chart-toppers on the latter - 33 years and seven months.

The Cher Effect: Revolutionizing Pop Music with Auto-Tune

"Believe" not only impacted Cher's career but also changed the face of pop music. The song's use of Auto-Tune, a pitch-altering recording technique, became a defining characteristic and influenced countless artists. Cher had to fight to keep this unique selling point, telling label bosses they'd have to remove it "over my dead body." Her instinct proved correct, as Auto-Tune became ubiquitous in contemporary pop music.

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Cultural Impact and Recognition

The song's cultural impact is evident in its parodies and covers. It has been spoofed by Matt Stone and Trey Parker, featured in MADtv, and become a lip-sync battle regular. Various artists, from Kidz Bop to Manchester Orchestra, have covered "Believe," showcasing its enduring appeal and adaptability.

Cher's achievements were finally recognized with a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording in 2000. This victory came after decades of contributions to the music industry, solidifying her status as a pop icon. Further cementing her legacy, Cher is among the Recording Academy's 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award honorees.

A Lesson in Adaptation and Innovation

Cher's career trajectory offers a lesson in adaptation and innovation. Just as she embraced new technologies and musical styles, students and educators must adapt to the evolving landscape of civic engagement. By fostering critical thinking, promoting informed dialogue, and emphasizing foundational civic knowledge, it is possible to cultivate a generation of responsible and engaged citizens.

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