People globally are reacting to the 2024 U.S. election and its many outcomes. Elections from local to national levels were held as Americans voted on propositions and measures, congressional races, and for the President of the U.S. With the polls now closed and many races having been called, students and faculty alike have been reflecting on the recent election.
The Presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, garnered a lot of attention. It was a highly anticipated race that was expected to be one of the closest elections of all time. However, Donald Trump in the end came out with a sweeping victory, with impressive performances in many of the major swing states pushing him over the 270 needed electoral votes.
The deep divide between the candidates who came forward with starkly different positions on the many issues that have surrounded this election, has left half the country split on the news that Trump is the new president-elect.
“The United States is playing a dangerous game in electing Donald Trump,” Professor Alex Sterling says in reaction to the election. Sterling, who is teaching a Philosophy 122 class this semester on contemporary moral issues, says that “Trump’s rhetoric is racist, nativist, sexist, and fascist,” and he believes that another Trump administration would prove to be “hugely damaging” to the state of this country.
In California, many major props were also decided on as well as a senate race. Controversial Prop 2, which would authorize bonds for the repair of public schools and community colleges around California is likely to pass while Prop 33 which was supposed to repeal bans on local rent control is not likely to get through.
Democrat and congressman, Adam Schiff, is projected to beat out Republican and former professional baseball player, Steve Garvey for California’s open senate seat, however, Republicans still have taken control of the U.S. Senate, projected to pick up four seats so far.
An election so tightly contested has left much tension within communities around the world. Los Medanos College President Pamela Ralston, reaches out to the students and staff alike in a recent message sent out to all on InSite, advocating for a peaceful campus even in the wake of such a polarized election.
“Many in our college community may be experiencing distress from the results. Let’s be kind and understanding and remember no one needs to feel alone.” Ralston says.
Across campus, there are many resources for students to use if they feel they may need to, and Los Medanos College also provides both telehealth and mental health services through TimelyCare. It is important that no matter what, as a space for higher education, students should continue to maintain healthy and respectful civic discourse throughout campus.
