Campus political atmosphere

jonny813
Sun, 22 Mar 2015 19:04:32 +0000

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.