As America becomes more polarized, the surrounding political situation is becoming a factor in students’ mentality when applying to university. More than a quarter of MA Juniors said they would exclude certain universities just because of state law and political climate.
“In the past decade, I have encountered more students, applying only to specific fields that fit my political beliefs, or avoiding certain fields, allowing me to feel safe or have access to the health care I need,” said Mai Lien Nguyen, counselor at the University and Career Center.
According to a survey by MA Chronicle, all juniors identified as “left” on the political spectrum would rule out applying to a particular university based on state law or popular political views, with 42% of students identified as “left of the center” said SO.
“I think there are more opportunities for radical and dangerous beliefs in the more right areas, and that’s not what I really want,” senior Ryan Dyer said.
Meanwhile, 50% of students who identified as “far right” and 33% of students who identified as “central rights” said they would exclude them from applying to a particular university based on state law or political views.
These trends are not specific to MA. A national survey found that one in four students excluded universities solely because of the policy, political or legal situation in the state where the school is located. Thirty-five percent of liberal students ruled out the state due to the political environment, but 29% of conservative students did.
The study noted that the biggest reasons for liberal students exclude certain universities are restrictive abortion policies and anti-LGBTQ+ laws. The main reason for conservative students exclude certain universities was that they are states with too many democratic and liberal LGBTQ+ laws.
Many students, especially Roev. Since Wade’s overthrow, I’ve been worried about access to healthcare. “Concerns and issues have become more serious given the legislative trends at the local, state and federal levels in recent years. Roev. Since Wade was defeated, students themselves have fostered access to health care for women as a reason why students themselves prefer some areas over other areas,” Nguyen said.
“I think most of the health policies that have a new presidency were a big factor for me because if I have a health crisis and I don’t have access to certain things, that’s really bad for me,” Heidi Chen said.
LGBTQ+ acceptance was also a common concern for students. “As a strange person of color, it’s really important to me to be in a place where I can be in an accepting area, where I can be in college and where I can meet equally diverse people,” said Senior and GSA President Zoe Fong. “To be my safety and to be a more secular citizen.”
Recent elections have also changed the perspectives of students regarding the universities they are applying to. Junior Haley Hinze saw President Trump’s election have had a major impact on the university list.
“I am now confident that I am restricting my list to a more liberal state, mainly due to the fear of conflicts of interest from the government and the violation of my rights,” Hinze said. “Some of my safety schools were in Utah because I have a lot of families there. I don’t think that’s an option for me anymore.”
Ultimately, students are trying to find a comfortable space to grow and be themselves when they transition into adulthood. “University is an age where people have the opportunity to learn more about others, unlike themselves,” Nguyen said.
“Learning about others, getting along and assessing differences is an area of personal growth that doesn’t start or end in college,” Nguyen added. “I hope that no matter what students do after the MA, they will continue to maintain their curiosity and empathy about others.”
