This semester, the question of who will be the next president of the United States is one that a good number of students here feel personally about—particularly because of the tenuous situation in Israel and how the presidency will affect it. But there are differing opinions around Stern regarding political involvement as a college student. Some feel passionate that students should be involved and take initiative to do so, while some feel that being in Stern does not lend itself well to political discussion.
“I believe universities in general should take a neutral stance on politics and give students the ability and opportunities to form their own opinions through intellectual discovery,” said Shira Huberfeld, SCW ‘16. “Certain stances become the norm in Stern, particularly regarding Israel, and begin to seem like the only valid opinion—preventing students from really researching what is happening and forming individual opinions.”
“The lack of open political discussion and basic political knowledge at YU is embarrassing. Many members of our student body cannot even differentiate between Republicans and Democrats,” agreed Michelle Sabbagh, SCW ‘16. “It’s important that students are aware of the political climate beyond the scope of Middle Eastern politics.”
Most Stern students find that they are not really able to find the time to read or discuss the political events going on around them at Stern. “I don’t know anything about politics,” said Elicia Bessaleli, SCW ’16. “I would love to know but there is no easy way to get involved or know what is going on—and I just don’t have the time for it.”
“Stern is, simply put, not a diverse place when it comes to political opinions,” claimed Estee Levi, SYMS ‘17. “It’s just hard to get acquainted with differing political opinions when most people are only exposed to one strain of thought. I just wish people would learn enough to defend their own opinions; really think them out instead of blindly following the opinions of those around them.”
Some students who feel passionate about being aware and involved when it comes to politics are taking initiative and becoming a part of the political landscape. Ariana Kaufman, SYMS ’16, worked on Ted Cruz’s campaign in Houston, Texas this past summer.
“Working for Ted Cruz for President was a life-changing experience,” she said. “I was surrounded daily by mentors and advisors who put their high powered jobs on hold for a cause that they truly identified with,” said Kaufman.
“I would highly recommend any Stern woman who is interested in devoting their lives to public service to get involved in the 2016 election with a candidate that they strongly identify with,” she continued.
“This is an opportunity that we need to utilize while we are still able to control our schedules and careers. Our dual curriculum is the perfect training for a campaign environment, and if I’ve learned anything from my classes here, it’s that Stern women know how to speak their minds,” Kaufman said.
Several students attended an event for presidential candidate Marco Rubio this past Wednesday. “I’m not necessarily endorsing Rubio but I am interested in his platforms and his candidacy,” said Esti Hirt, SCW ‘17. “I thought working at the event would be a good opportunity for me to see what he’s like in a more personal and smaller setting—I love politics and am excited to be involved in the process any way I can,” she said.
Other students who attended this event agreed with Hirt. “College is all about learning, becoming informed, and getting involved,” said Lizzi Peled, SCW ’17. “Becoming a part of a presidential campaign in any way is so crucial for our generation—we should stop being apathetic, because it are these upcoming years that are really going to affect us. Additionally, when we show we care, it shows our presidential candidates that they should be thinking about us, and their policies can shift to help us with what we need.”