In an unprecedented move following Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Harvard cancels classes, offering students a chance to emotionally process the results.
This decision, which reflects the polarizing nature of the election, especially on college campuses, extended to various faculties across both universities.
Students and professors alike were visibly affected, with support sessions and decompressing activities provided to help students work through their feelings of shock, disappointment, and uncertainty.
Emotional Fallout: Harvard Cancels Classes
At Harvard, the impact of Donald Trump’s electoral success was palpable among students and staff, particularly those who had expected a win for Vice President Kamala Harris. To accommodate the emotional toll of the election outcome, many professors took immediate steps, canceling classes and extending assignment deadlines.
According to The Harvard Crimson, several faculty members made attendance optional, while assignment extensions allowed students the flexibility to process the news without academic pressure.
Harvard’s economics lecturer Maxim Boycko highlighted the emotional strain on students, stating, “As we recover from the eventful election night and process the implications of Trump’s victory, please know that class will proceed as usual today, except that classroom quizzes will not be for credit.
Feel free to take time off if needed.” This statement mirrors the sentiments of faculty members across Harvard, who demonstrated empathy toward students struggling with the unexpected turn of events.
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Samantha Holtz, a student at Harvard, voiced her surprise at the outcome, expressing that she, along with many others on campus, anticipated a Harris win. “Being at Harvard, I was surrounded by a lot of people who were very pro-Harris, so in my mind, it was already a decided election.
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It was a little bit shocking to me,” she admitted. The emotions ranged from disbelief to resignation, as captured by Luke P. Kushner, who observed early on that Trump was likely to win. “Very early on in the night, it became pretty clear that it was going to go in the direction of Trump. I went to bed before they called it, and at that point, I was pretty resigned,” Kushner remarked.
Creating Safe Spaces for Reflection and Support
In an effort to foster a supportive environment post-election, Harvard faculty offered spaces for students to process their reactions in a safe, understanding setting. Physics professor Jennifer E. Hoffman opened her office as a “space to process the election,” welcoming students to talk through their emotions.
Reflecting on the diverse reactions within the Harvard community, Hoffman acknowledged the disappointment and fear many students felt, particularly those who supported Kamala Harris.
“Many in our community are sleep-deprived, again grieving for glass ceilings that weren’t shattered, fearful for the future, or embarrassed to face our international colleagues,” she wrote in an email to her students. “I stress-baked several pans of lemon bars to share,” Hoffman added, lightening the atmosphere while acknowledging the mental strain on campus.
The Harvard College Democrats also released a statement to affirm their continued support for Harris, commending her for her vision of unity and optimism. Their statement read: “The Harvard College Democrats are incredibly grateful for the leadership of Vice President Kamala Harris and the vision she presented for the future of the country in her campaign for President of the United States.
We are proud to endorse a campaign that centered joy, community, and a belief in the immense potential of this great nation.” Such words offered a sense of solidarity among students, highlighting the values they hoped to see reflected in the country’s leadership.
Princeton’s Post-Election Recovery Efforts
Similarly, Princeton University took swift action to address the emotional responses of students to Trump’s reelection. National Review reported that Princeton canceled at least two classes on Wednesday, and the “Social Cognition: The Psychology of Interactive Minds” course was suspended for the week. Students were also given the option to leave the Thursday lecture if they were not prepared to engage in class activities emotionally.
Beyond academic adjustments, Princeton University Health Services organized “Post-Election Listening Circles,” both virtual and in-person, to support students dealing with post-election anxiety.
University spokesperson Jennifer Morrill explained that listening circles provided a constructive environment for students to share their thoughts and receive support from peers. These sessions were part of a broader effort by the university to promote mental well-being and resilience during a time of heightened emotions.
Additional resources included a post-election discussion hosted by Princeton’s Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC), where queer and trans students could voice their concerns in a space that felt inclusive and safe.
The GSRC also facilitated a meditation session with a psychology professor, enabling students to decompress and manage stress. Throughout the week, students participated in numerous community gatherings aimed at offering solace and unity.
The Broader Implications of University Support in Polarized Times
The steps taken by Harvard and Princeton underscore the evolving role of educational institutions in providing support during politically charged moments. In an increasingly polarized political landscape, the mental health of students has become a priority, as university administrations recognize the importance of fostering resilience and empathy.
The recent post-election cancellations and mental health initiatives reflect a shift toward more student-centered policies that prioritize emotional well-being alongside academic achievement.
While reactions to these cancellations varied, they demonstrate the unique challenges universities face in addressing political divisions. Harvard and Princeton’s responses show a commitment to student mental health in times of societal and political stress, ensuring that students feel heard, supported, and equipped to process challenging emotions in a constructive manner.
This approach not only acknowledges the intensity of today’s political climate but also sets a precedent for how educational institutions may continue to respond to similar events in the future.
As students navigate the implications of the 2024 election, the support systems offered by Harvard and Princeton will likely be instrumental in helping them rebuild their sense of optimism and direction.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏