I think this whole discussion about how college admissions people would view this is a ridiculous question completely putting the cart before the horse.
I think that kids should aim to be the person that they want to be. For EC stuff, they should do what they want to do. They should live their life and learn how to be happy. By late junior year, the kids will have “stats”, some academic record, and some genuine interests. At that point, your kid is the consumer. They need to find schools that resonate with them, and need to find at least two safeties so that they can reject and disappoint at least one college.
This whole attitude that these admissions officers are “higher powers” that will decide your kids fate is self-defeating and leaves way too much to chance. Most admissions officers are alumni who couldn’t get a better job. I tell kids to plan a dream life, and that college is just a stepping stone to that dream life, and that there are many ways to get there.
What kind of message does it send to kids that they should shy away from being too political because they might get shunned.
Coming from liberal Massachusetts, I thought there was great value in having my Ds meet serious intelligent people from the other side of the political spectrum who they could respect, but who would also respect them in discussions. For the most part they have met such people. My Ds haven’t changed their views, but are perhaps more moderate because they have engaged in rational civil discussions. I suspect some of their more conservative friends are more moderated too after meeting them. For example, there has definitely been a move toward accepting people on the LGBT spectrum as they are and the younger generation overwhelmingly has gotten used to it. My kids have diverse groups of friends and like it that way.
Bottom line, I wish your D the best of luck and tell her not to live in fear.