<p>My S will be making a choice between Clemson and our huge state college over the next few days. Clemson seems the better fit in almost all areas except one and that is political and religious leanings of the students. We are already from a southern state so being in the minority is something he is already used to and expecting. But I don't want him to be a minority of one! Will he be able to find other liberal, nonreligious kids at all or will he feel pretty much alienated from everyone? I particularly want to know if among the engineering and/or honors students, is there a little more diversity of thought than the general population?</p>
<p>While Clemson is a pretty conservative campus, I don’t believe that you should worry. Last year we invited all of the presidential candidates to speak at Clemson. When Obama came there was a huge crowd to see him speak with no one protesting the idea. While there are some outspoken conservatives (and liberals) most people here are open to and respect others opinions. As long as your S is open to conservatives and can accept that others think differently (and won’t change their opinion), he shouldn’t have any problems.</p>
<p>Yes, I agree with Mitch, my 2011 is at CU studying engineering. She has close friends who are from SC, other states, gays, Asians, blacks, whites, athletes, nerds, vegetarians, sorority sisters, fraternity brothers, super religious, atheists etc
It is a big friendly place with lots of room for every one- especially in engineering!</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses. Of course, I’m more worried than he is - in fact he hasn’t even mentioned it! He’s the kind of kid who’s content as long as he has two or three friends to hang out with.</p>
<p>My W is a Clemson grad, not I, but I ask: What are you dreading? I went off to college as a far-left liberal and came home a Reagan conservative. College is about figuring things out for yourself. That can happen wherever he goes.</p>
<p>Wherever he goes, I dearly hope he finds God.</p>
<p>same question… if you are not religious at all will people become offended?</p>
<p>Not at all. People at Clemson are pretty laid back all around and accepting of differences. We have one of the largest FCA groups in the nation, but we also spend a lot of time partying. Religion and Politics are subjects that you usually can’t convert someone to your point of view, and I would say the Clemson community understands this and looks beyond these issues.</p>
<p>thats really good to hear</p>