Over the past few years, engagement in politics continues to expand on college campuses. Ranging from clubs to rallies, presidential candidates recognize the impact of college voters. Universities have become a brand that students control on political issues.
Political controversies strike every college campus. Pace University recently came under criticism for supporting a border patrol job showcasing webinar. Students retaliated by sharing their personal stories and demanding the university cancel it. The student protest only led to the university apologizing and continuing the webinar.
Check out the post on Instagram here!
This situation is not unique as students are becoming more vocal about politics. Presidential candidates, such as Bernie Sanders, are noticing this trend and jumping on the promise of being the student’s voice. With outlooks of free college and removing debt, college campuses are becoming critical for political support.
Political clubs are becoming more known on campuses allowing students to gain information with the upcoming elections. Debate viewings are becoming a popular Tuesday night activity on campuses. More involvement leads to more students registering to vote and voting on election day.
According to Forbes, student voting in midterm elections has risen from 19% in 2014 to 40% in 2018. Younger voters have watched the rise of climate change and political corruption leading to anger.
Led by sixteen-year-old activist Greta Thunberg, over a million New York City students participated in the strike against climate change. People across the world led protests to order governments to recognize and solve climate change.
Check out this Instagram post!
As more students are rising for political involvement, universities are struggling to keep everyone content. Every move of the University reflects on their and the student’s values. Universities will often pride themselves on diversity but will not recognize student outcry.
Universities allow clubs to be formed for students to interact with students of the same political viewpoint. A college is a place where students are growing and gaining knowledge of how the real world functions; these clubs allow comfortable growth.