Have Republicans won the Senate, House and Presidency? You can’t be serious.
Many students were umbed after the 2024 US presidential election. How will President Donald Trump be re-elected, an opinion that goes against the political views we hear every day?
With most Harvard students identifying as liberals and most Republicans as hidden, it’s clear that we live in a political bubble. Living and learning in such corridor political environments leaves students unpregnant to the diverse political realities they encounter after graduation. Harvard should take concrete action to expose students to a broader view, such as providing more ways to engage academically in increasing media literacy and conservatism.
Liberal control at Harvard University goes beyond student organizations. In 2023, over 77% of Harvard universities surveyed were identified as either “very liberal” or “liberal.” Clearly, we have a campus culture where progressivism is the norm.
These numbers create a disconnect between our campus and the entire country. With President Trump winning 312 election and popular votes, it is no secret that Harvard students are more conservative than they perceive.
A gap in perception is easily formed when students spend 24/7 in a predominantly liberal environment, such as classes, discussion sections, and club meetings. Students develop a distorted sense of the state’s political perspective that can naturally lead to shock and distrust upon entry into the post-graduation world.
Many Harvard students work or travel in diverse international environments where cultural, political and social perspectives differ from campus experiences. How can you effectively navigate a new environment and approach global challenges with understanding and adaptability without touching on a broader perspective? Such a limited perspective can make it difficult to build meaningful connections and collaborate effectively, and ultimately limit the ability to flourish in a diverse world.
To address this dangerous political bubble, Harvard must take concrete steps to create a more balanced campus environment.
Universities need to promote media literacy by encouraging students to engage with news outlets from the entire political spectrum. Offering a workshop on critical media consumption helps students form a balanced perspective on national and global issues.
Harvard should also incorporate more coursework that critically examines conservative thinking, economic policy and political movements. Although not a major solution, by expanding academic opportunities to engage in a broader ideological spectrum, students, especially those pursuing careers in law, politics, or public service, are ready to navigate political conversations and policy decisions beyond Harvard’s predominantly liberal environment.
Inviting political experts and analysts to teach and lead discussions about political polarization and media impacts can provide students with a deeper understanding of the political landscape. Such efforts will help students provide the skills they need to navigate the divided world and engage in more productive conversations.
More targeted efforts and workshops can help students engage in different perspectives in a more structured way, especially for those who are not yet involved in campus political programs.
Harvard University’s political bubble provides opportunities for growth. Yes, our university is primarily a liberal environment. However, that does not mean that students should express shock and fear when faced with conservatism.
If this phenomenon is not addressed, students’ perspectives will continue to be limited. Harvard needs to encourage more diverse political discourse and ensure that students are involved in different perspectives in order to better prepare students for leadership roles and successful post-graduation careers.
By creating academic spaces for conversation across the political spectrum and promoting media literacy, Harvard can take specific actions to help students navigate a world filled with diverse opinions and perspectives.
Your Move, Harvard – It’s time to pop the bubble.
Kelli D. Higgins ’28, editor of Crimson, lives in Thayer Hall.
