<p>My daughter is seriously considering Bryn Mawr, but is concerned that her political beliefs would not make her a good fit. She considers herself a moderate Republican (she is pro-life but for gay marriage, just to give examples) and has read some reviews that said someone with her political beliefs would have a hard time fitting in. She found an article where it stated that many students are overtly hostile to those expressing their conservative beliefs. She gets that she would be in the minority, but would she really have to spend the next four years keeping her political and religious (Catholic) beliefs to herself, in order to fit in?</p>
<p>Hi Wymommy,</p>
<p>While the liberal voice is certainly a loud one at Bryn Mawr, it isn’t a militant one. Bryn Mawr students strive to foster an environment that is inclusive of everyone - part of that means encouraging opinions and emphasizing that every voice is valid. You will find students who are passionate in their beliefs, but they are also mindful about making space for other voices to be heard and shared. While I came to Bryn Mawr a liberal, I found that over the years my awareness grew tremendously of other issues I had never even considered or understood in depth. Bryn Mawr thrives on having a diverse community - some of my closest friends include a Morman from Utah and a Muslim Indian-American. There is truly a niche for everyone.</p>
<p>Here’s further information on Catholicism at Bryn Mawr: [Bryn</a> Mawr College: Pensby Center](<a href=“http://www.brynmawr.edu/pensby/religion/catholic.html]Bryn”>http://www.brynmawr.edu/pensby/religion/catholic.html)</p>
<p>Thank you englishivy! That’s funny about the Utah Mormon, we’re in Wyoming, and a lot of my daughters friends are actually Mormon. She jokes that compared to them, she is very left of center. When I first told her about Bryn Mawr she said no women’s colleges, but the more she read about it, the more she said it seemed like her perfect school! I’m hoping she will decide to apply!</p>
<p>I’m an alumna of BMC (though one from the late eighties so my experience may be dated!). When I was a student, the liberal voice was certainly the most prevalent and loudest, but BMC was all about respecting difference. While the majority of my friends were liberal, I did have a few who were moderately conservative (and one who was far right!). That said, I do recall heated debates from time to time! But overall, I’ve never been in a place since that allowed me to be ME, regardless of my opinions on politics. The campus culture was really all about being authentic and informed, regardless of where one was on the political spectrum.</p>
<p>My daughter is a recent BMC graduate. She’s liberal and so are most of her Bryn Mawr friends. However, IMO she came away from her experiences at BMC with a very accepting attitude and a willingness to entertain different views. Maybe it’s just maturity, but she’s a lot more tolerant than she was a teenager. Has your daughter visited the campus yet? Talking to students would be a good way to gauge whether it’s for her.</p>