This letter to the editor was submitted by St. Thomas student Antonella Bernardi.

In this time of political intolerance between parties, it is paramount not to judge someone solely on their political affiliation, or make them feel ostracized for stating their opinion. In the current political climate I often find it difficult on college campuses, even at St. Thomas, to feel accepted by everyone in the community. I am consistently labeled as a far right Republican when this does not represent my viewpoint. The overriding voice of the far right has made it practically impossible for moderate Republicans to voice their opinion, as seen by the alienation of Republicans happening across college campuses.

NYU’s College Republican chapter unfortunately invited a speaker to the university “who advocates for violence against transsexuals and gays.” No moderate Republican advocates for violence against gay individuals. NYU’s chapter does not represent mine or even the vast majority of Republicans’ viewpoint. They pervert the label Republican and I am asked to justify their intolerance, because I am associated with their hatred. The NYU webpage wrote, “the administration should strip the College Republicans of its affiliation until it can show responsible and reasonable conduct.” I argue that this wouldn’t solve the problem but instead further alienate moderate Republicans. Students who share this ideology are beginning to feel ashamed for their political affiliation, and afraid of being associated with their party. Their voices need to be heard.

This happens at St. Thomas just as much as anywhere else. In a few of my classes I have felt alienated by my classmates after they learned I was a Republican, even though I rarely disagreed with what they said. My classmates often vocalized their support for LGBTQ rights and I agreed with them, but was still greeted with chilly looks and cold shoulders whenever the topic came up. Other St. Thomas students feel the same. A junior I talked to said, “I cannot state my ideas in the classroom. The moment I divulge my viewpoint I will be shut down immediately.” A senior voiced similar concerns, saying “if my classmates found out I was Republican they’d refuse to work with me.”

Obviously things need to change. People from both sides of the aisle need to recognize there is a fundamental difference between those who use the Republican label to spew hatred and the everyday Republican. Understanding issues and people instead of judging them immediately is more important than ever, and the only way to reconnect a very divided country. Republicans need to feel safe in expressing themselves, or this loop of far right hatred being mistaken for Republican views as normal Republicans stay silent will continue.

After talking to people at St. Thomas and comparing their experiences to my own, I’ve started to rethink our slogan “all for the common good.” I’ve questioned our authenticity because this is such a kind and welcoming campus, with a slogan that represents our community’s openness, yet a section of the student body feels threatened for their views and unable to participate in a political dialogue.