St. Lawrence University students and administrators weighed in this week on the topics of political expression and cancel culture. They discussed whether they feel comfortable sharing their opinions, especially if they go against the mainstream.
Students identified their political affiliation and gave their opinion of the political atmosphere. “I know of kids who have been semi- canceled because last fall they supported Trump during the debates, cancelled within friend groups…I would never feel comfortable in class identifying as a Republican,” said an anonymous student identifying as a Conservative, who feels that it is an aspect of their identity they prefer to keep hidden. “I had a CA who wore a Blue Lives Matter band, and she made an effort to hide it,” said the student.
“It’s often the people who have more conservative or moderate views who face controversy for speaking out for what they believe in. Saying that is controversial, in of itself,” said student Maggie Brown’ 24, who identifies as a liberal. The relationship between social media and cancel culture was also discussed. “I’ve seen Yik Yaks that were saying you should drop the name of Republicans on campus so I can know to avoid them, I know that’s a joke but it’s not fostering a positive environment,” said Brown.
Student Representative to the Board of Trustees and Ducks Unlimited Vice President Brynn Afton is a registered Republican and sees the campus as somewhat welcoming to opposing views. “It’s definitely very liberal voices being heard in the classroom; I know sometimes I don’t like to voice my opinion because I don’t think it is worth it. There are a number of students who don’t voice their opinions in that class that I’m sure would like to,” said Afton. Afton also noted she would like to see SLU Republicans come back as a club and tried to organize it but was unable to because of other commitments. “As soon as I tell people I’m a registered Republican, some people don’t exactly have the greatest response,” said Afton.
Vice President of Senate Affairs Thelmo and SLU Democrats Treasurer Alexander Reyes has heard from comments around the community that there is definitely a divide between those who feel comfortable sharing their opinions and those who don’t. “I think that SLU Republicans was a club we were always open to collaborating with. I heard from the leaders of the club before me that they would have joint events, with debates etc.” Reyes saw a change in the political climate on campus that reflected the change in Washington D.C with the Trump Administration. “People on campus and outside this community started adopting those behaviors they saw in Washington and it became more toxic,” said Reyes.
Professor of Communications Sarah Beck chimed in on the potential for misinformation to spread on a small campus about people’s beliefs. “I’m removed but from what I have seen since we are a smaller residential campus, we all know each other more than a larger school. I can see how it circulates much faster, I can see the potential for you losing control over the original comment or the context that the original comment was made in,” said Beck. “With free speech we forget that although we have this protected right, it does not absolve us from any consequences. You have the right to these opinions; we forget that these opinions land on other people’s bodies and can have repercussions. It does not absolve us of the impact that our statements have on other people. Our opinions don’t happen in a vacuum,” stated Beck.
According to Niche.com, SLU students identify as 38% Liberal, and 31% conservative and an overwhelming majority would describe the political beliefs of campus as a whole as liberal and moderate.