Campus political atmosphere

Colleges and Universities A-Z American University
1

I am a high school senior who just got into American University’s School of International Service. I am very likely to go there in the fall and will also be doing Army ROTC. From what I have read about the college, as well as what I have heard from the people that go there and seen for myself while visitng, the atmosphere of the campus is pretty far to the left politically (this can be expected with any college, but it seems like American is further left than usual).

I consider myself pretty conservative/libertarian (depending on the issue). I favor gun rights, low taxes, a strong national defense, individual liberty, small government, and transparent governance. I am by no means extreme or non-sensible in my beliefs, and have no problem with my views being challenged. I welcome the opportunity to debate freely and respectfully on my ideas.

I am worried, however, that my college experience, as well as my education, will suffer because of AU’s liberal political atmosphere. I don’t want to receive a biased education, and be taught the opinions of my professors rather than the truth.
I don’t want to have to worry about my grades suffering because my professors are biased against me because of my political views. I don’t want to have to worry about being marginalized by my peers because I support a different candidate, or worry that I won’t make any friends in the SIS because I have differing opinions than them.

I want an education that is un-biased, fair, and can be an open exchange of ideas. Can I get this at American? Are my fears justified? Is being marginalized by my peers a valid concern? Will my professors be biased against me because of my beliefs and could my grades suffer because of it? I would really appreciate any advice from AU students or alumni on this issue.

2

I’d also be interested in what other people have to say to this question…

3

What is the “truth”? When my kids attended a British int’l elementary school, they were taught that during the American Revolution, the British colonists were traitors to the Crown.

People of all political stripes, who have to be on their soapbox 24/7, are annoying to be around.

4

I’m not a Alum or a current student at AU but am attending AU SIS starting January and have asked this questions about the political atmospheres a lot to Alum, friends that attend AU and even a professor and I’m just saying the answers that I got.

American is a very liberal school. I even found a site where they ranked the most liberal colleges in the US and AU was 17th(https://colleges.niche.com/rankings/most-liberal-colleges/) Though it is a very liberal school I do think you will find people who will share your views and beliefs but you will be in the minority. As for the professors I really doubt that they will be bias against you for you views but you might disagree with what they teach time to time but you seem like you could respectfully debate you views.

Not to discourage you about AU but I also would recommend looking into George Washington university. Kids at GW tend to be a little more conservative.Also if you plan on doing Army ROTC your going to have to take classes at Gerogetown and GW is a lot closer Georgetown.

5

Don’t be discourage just because of your political views. There are plenty of democrats and republicans on campus. There’s also a republican club that I’ve seen on campus so don’t worry.