Problem:
Donald Trump seems to be a recurring cause throughout my research. Especially when it comes to colleges which are supposed be safe for academia in all its forms. Institutions of higher education are safe-havens of innovation that continue the pursuit of knowledge to achieve the full potential of each individual. The increased political polarization in the United States, after a presidential election that caused great controversy, separated Democrats and Republicans.
Why is it a problem?
The troubling manifestation of the divide in institutions of higher education—colleges and universities—degrades their goal. These institutions are supposedly the ideal places for individuals to come together and discuss, in a civil and academic manner, the merits of their argument to defend their beliefs. However, the ideal is not always the reality. During the transitional period from childhood to adulthood, does political identity affect the behavior of students in the classroom? The conversations concentrated on and around this topic revolve around opposing political parties, the importance of unbiased learning environments, and oppression caused by political correctness.