Hi,
I wanted to know what the political environments at Williams and Amherst are like. While I fully expect the two campuses to be mostly liberal, as I conservative I don’t want to go to a school where students and faculty are outright hostile to my political beliefs. I have visited both schools and felt that Williams was more apolitical and Amherst had a more liberal vibe. However after discussing with students from Amherst, I learned that Amherst has a relatively active group of Young Republicans. After researching on Williams, I did not see an equivalent group.
Any information regarding the schools’ treatment or inclusion of conservative voices would be greatly conservative. I do not want this thread to expand to a discussion of conservative LACs like Washington and Lee or Hillsdale but instead focus on these two schools solely.
It may depend on what kind of “conservative”.
Racial conservatism (“alt right”) may attract more hostility than fiscal conservatism or libertarianism, for example.
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You could literally take the students from both, switch them and not know the difference. My kid went to Amherst, their spouse went to Williams. You won’t go wrong with either, both very inclusive in all ways.
@ucbalumnus I would consider myself more of a libertarian conservative. Think a National Review type conservative
It’s not exactly Liberty vs Oberlin, but Williams does have a slightly more middle-of-road reputation. Could it be that an active Young Republican group might coalesce in reaction to a more liberal campus?
You might try speaking with some current students at each college, especially members of conservative student organizations, to see what their experiences are like.
I know more about Williams than about Amherst. The loudest voices on campus at Williams are definitely liberal. Here is a recent example:
https://williamsrecord.com/2019/02/march-for-the-damned-honors-on-leave-professors-love-green/
But I would say there is a lot more diversity of thought than might be evident in a quick scan of the newspaper or what is hanging up on campus. And most students and professors will respect a student who presents a well-reasoned, well-researched opinion, even if they disagree with it.
There is a Society for Conservative Thought among the various student organizations.
A ton of Williams students go on to be investment bankers or consultants, and into other fields that are not exactly bastions of progressive politics. Some kids apply for internships at a libertarian think tank.
@nikom814, I don’t think you’d find a significant difference between Williams and Amherst in overall reception to conservative positions. Conservative policies toward the the role of government, the economy and foreign relations will be received respectfully, both in and out of the classroom. However, some conservative positions on social issues – notably reproductive and LBGTQ rights – would not be well received.
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At many campuses, the loudest voices, whether left or right leaning, can be more extreme and often unpleasant to be around (even if you are a less extreme version of the same political leaning), although they may not necessarily be representative of the entire side of the political spectrum. (Not referring specifically to that event at Williams, just general tendencies around various campuses. Beware of Israeli - Palestinian politics.)
The schools won’t seem that different.
Amherst, the town, has the influence of both Hampshire (for the moment) and the University. It’s a pretty liberal oriented community.
On campus you’ll notice zero difference.
Lots of student athletes. And lots of really smart kids.
Agree that it depends on the kind of conservative you are. Are you looking to be heard respectfully or are you simply allergic to political activism of any kind? I think within the spectrum of what might be heard during a major party presidential debate, you will find plenty of room on both campuses to express your opinion. However, you should also be aware of the fact that, from time to time, both campuses may erupt into passionate exercises of First Amendment rights which may include, marching, pamphleteering, petitioning, chanting and occupying public spaces.
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@circuitrider stated,
“However, you should also be aware of the fact that, from time to time, both campuses may erupt into passionate exercises of First Amendment rights which may include, marching, pamphleteering, petitioning, chanting and occupying public spaces.”
That is 100 percent correct for these two schools. And every school I am aware of across the nation.
Even a more politically conservative school Hillsdale or of socially conservative school like liberty or BYU.
The issues may be different but a protest or support march can break out in a heart beat.
Might be a totally irrelevant factor for any school because no one needs a Conservative voice more than an ultra-Liberal school anyway. Many just don’t know what “Conservative” is until thoughtfully exposed to it.
I know you will find people on both sides. Amherst is appealing to many types of people, with various religious, political and world views.
Most recently Amherst invited former Ohio governor John Kasich to speak on campus. Leading up to the event, I read many comments that were opposed to him speaking and yet it seemed to be a full house when I streamed it live.
I know that not everyone in the audience was his supporter, but I do believe some were. I didn’t hear any heckling. I did hear many very intelligent questions and comments posed at the end by students, the majority who were not aligned with his politics. It all came across respectfully.
D18’s closest friends are both Dems & Repubs and they have had a least one heated discussion or maybe I should say passionate? But at this point they all remain the best of friends. I wanted and hoped for exactly this kind of environment for my kid. I see her flourishing.
When we attended the send off for the Class of 2022, my husband and I had conversations with many parents and we found the majority seemed to be more in politically aligned like us, but it has been the one more conservative couple that we hit it off with that evening and have maintained contact.
I don’t think you go to a school like Amherst, to isolate from the various world views and surround yourself with everyone that will think, vote and believe just like youdo in order to avoid conflict. I believe you go to a school like Amherst, because you want a diverse experience and that includes people of all political parties, beliefs and walks of life. This is what ultimately adds a richness to your experience. The classroom discussions, professors, roommates and friendships you will make, will make for a better, more interesting experience- but only if you think so. And if you don’t, you need to look for a different school altogether.
I don’t mean the last statement to be harsh at all. Just matter of fact. I wish you all the best in your search.
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The University of Chicago has been very out front about promoting free speech on campus. Here are the schools that endorsed or adopted their initiative: https://www.thefire.org/chicago-statement-university-and-faculty-body-support/