We asked students if they feel RU is more divided post-election
‘I feel like Rutgers has been divided in that the atmosphere is tense and a lot of people are afraid’
Whether or not you were accepting of the election results, it’s apparent that the 2016 presidential election has caused waves of backlash and mixed emotions – especially on college campuses. Rutgers, home to an extremely diverse population of students, made itself an easy ground for numerous protests, rallies and walk-outs. Of course, everyone’s first thoughts are to resent this election for causing such hatred and division among what previously seemed like peaceful communities. However, these repercussions might be just what we needed, unifying everyone for a cause rather than dividing. We talked to students about how divided or unified they think Rutgers became post-election.
Jhanvi Virani, Computer Science and History, Class of 2020
I think deciding whether this campus is more divided or united now depends on perspective. I mean, the whole country is divided right now and Rutgers is no exception. There are arguments on social media everyday to remind us that. But at the same time, I think our community has come together to support people who might be scared or worried for their futures. There will always be exceptions, but I think the majority of students here are still respectful towards others and show support for immigrants, minorities, women, LGBT+, etc. Which, amid all the chaos, is kind of cool to see.
Nikhil Parvathala, BAIT, Class of 2020
Rutgers has been divided by belief, but united by hope. The results of the election have fascinated some, while forcing others to lose faith in the country. We’re experiencing an intense political transition right now that has caused Rutgers to become a so-called ‘sanctuary campus.’ Protests everywhere. It’s unified, but wild.
Andrew Kushnir, Finance, Class of 2020
The world has always been divided like this. It’s not like a new president changed anything. There’s always been democrats and republicans; nothing has changed. They’re still divided.
Siddhant Bansal, Computer Science and Ecology, Class of 2017
If the recent protests and meetings are any indication, we seem to be more unified now than we were before. This may be because, as students at a large university, we share a lot of the same views and have been brought together in the same place. It might not be surprising that we are unified in our views, but the power of this unity should not be underestimated.
Laila Abbas, History, Class of 2020
I feel like Rutgers has been divided in that the atmosphere is tense and a lot of people are afraid. In classes, we’ve spoken about the election and a lot of people have been understanding in terms of differing opinions when discussions are in such a controlled environment, but the divide has been felt outside the classroom. Muslim girls in particular are looking over their shoulders a lot more, and are experiencing a lot more hate on campus.
Sauda Meah, Management, Class of 2020
I feel as if Rutgers has already been divided even before the election has happened. It may seem as if our community is diverse all throughout, however, the diversity is bound by separate categories. Majority of the times, people would come together in a classroom setting, but the second that class is over, everyone is back to what they know. Our recent election may just have shed light on this subject.