On Saturday, November 16th, a campus-wide teach-in was hosted at Franklin and Marshall College. Organized in response to the re-election of former President Donald Trump, this teach-in sought to unpack the anticipated impacts of the new administration’s policies on both numerous marginalized communities and facets of seemingly mundane everyday life. As highlighted in the advertising posters, this event offered a supportive space for students, faculty, and community members by curating thoughtful and well-researched discussions on a range of topics, and then Q&A. During a time of increased uncertainty and political polarization, the opportunity to learn, discuss, and feel a sense of solidarity within a community is a necessity.
Over several hours, various professors and faculty shared their expertise and experiences working across diverse fields, relaying this information through a series of discussions addressing questions of potential political shifts and overturns under the incoming Trump presidency. Some topics included:
Ecological Citizenship in the Face of Trump’s Environmental Roadblocks
Exploring Governance and Challenges in K-12 and Higher Education
The Future of Reproductive Justice and How You Can Take Action
Numerous other subjects were explored and addressed with clarity, curiosity, and caution. Along with presenting difficult subjects in an approachable manner, the teach-in also offered something else desperately needed in the present: a sense of hopeful action. Following the presidential election, one could perhaps feel a sentiment of numbness descend upon oneself, their campus, and their broader community. This, along with connecting students, faculty, and Lancaster community members with like-minded individuals, the teach-in also reminded individuals that they are not alone.
And if one is not alone, community-based mutual aid and action is all the more achievable.
Junior Teagan Durkin the Opinions editor. Her email is tdurkin@fandm.edu