Republicans gained the Senate, Home, and Presidency? You possibly can’t be critical.
Many college students have been dumbfounded following the 2024 U.S. presidential election. How might President Donald Trump, somebody whose opinions are so opposite to the political takes we hear on the day by day, be re-elected?
With most Harvard college students figuring out as liberal and most Republicans in hiding, it’s clear we stay in a political bubble. Residing and studying in such a cloistered political atmosphere leaves college students unprepared for the varied political actuality they encounter after commencement. Harvard ought to take concrete motion to show college students to a wider vary of views, together with growing media literacy and providing extra methods to academically have interaction with conservatism.
The liberal dominance at Harvard extends previous the coed physique. In 2023, over 77 p.c of surveyed Harvard college recognized as both “very liberal” or “liberal.” Clearly, we’ve a campus tradition the place progressivism is the norm.
These numbers create a disconnect between our campus and the nation as an entire — with President Trump successful 312 electoral votes and the favored vote, it’s no secret our nation is extra conservative than Harvard college students may understand.
When college students spend 24/7 immersed in a predominantly liberal atmosphere — whether or not or not it’s in our lessons, dialogue sections, or membership conferences — notion gaps simply type. College students develop a distorted sense of nationwide political views that may naturally result in shock or disbelief upon entry to the post-graduation world.
Many Harvard college students discover themselves working or touring in various worldwide settings the place cultural, political, and social views differ from their campus expertise. With out publicity to a broader vary of viewpoints, how can we successfully navigate new environments or method world challenges with understanding and flexibility? Such a restricted perspective could make it tougher to construct significant connections and collaborate successfully, finally limiting one’s skill to thrive in our various world.
To handle this harmful political bubble, Harvard should take concrete steps to create a extra balanced campus atmosphere.
The College ought to promote media literacy by encouraging college students to interact with information retailers from throughout the political spectrum. Providing workshops on vital media consumption might help college students type well-rounded views on nationwide and world points.
Harvard also needs to incorporate extra coursework critically inspecting conservative thought, financial coverage, and political actions. Whereas not the first answer, increasing tutorial alternatives to interact with a broader ideological spectrum would guarantee college students — particularly these pursuing careers in legislation, politics, or public service — are higher ready to navigate political conversations and policymaking past Harvard’s predominantly liberal atmosphere.
Inviting political specialists and analysts to show and lead discussions on political polarization and media affect can present college students with a deeper understanding of the political panorama. Such efforts would assist equip college students with the abilities wanted to navigate a divided world and interact in additional productive conversations.
Extra focused efforts or workshops might assist college students have interaction with differing viewpoints in a extra structured approach, particularly for these not already concerned in political applications on campus.
The political bubble at Harvard presents a possibility for progress. Sure, our College is a predominantly liberal atmosphere. However that doesn’t imply college students ought to specific shock and horror when confronted with conservatism.
If the phenomenon goes unaddressed, pupil views will proceed to be restricted. To higher put together college students for management roles and profitable post-grad careers, Harvard ought to encourage extra various political discourse and make sure that college students have interaction with differing viewpoints.
By creating tutorial area for conversations throughout the political spectrum and selling media literacy, Harvard can take particular actions to assist college students navigate a world stuffed with various opinions and views.
Your transfer, Harvard — it’s time to pop the bubble.
Kelli D. Higgins ’28, a Crimson Editorial Editor, lives in Thayer Corridor.
