On Nov. 6, Donald Trump, the former president of the United States of America, made a historical comeback to the White House as the 47th President of the U.S.A. His proposed policies, which include
Study Away Students Brace for Political and Social Challenges in the Wake of the New U.S. Presidency
NYU students studying away at NYUAD have their own unique perspectives on the outcomes of US elections, and what they should be bracing themselves for once they return to the States.
Nov 10, 2024
On Nov. 6, Donald Trump, the former president of the United States of America, made a historical comeback to the White House as the 47th President of the U.S.A. His proposed policies, which include conservative attitudes toward civil rights issues, may appeal to some. Yet, they have also and will continue to evoke uncertainty and fear in others, much like during his first term in office.
Some study away students from NYU’s main campus, members of marginalized communities, shared concerns about what this political shift could mean for their lives when they return home.
Amber Ramirez, a senior from the main campus, expressed she was not surprised by the election result, but fears for the safety of her family.
“I was not surprised by the election results,” said Ramirez. “I just felt really anxious because most of what he does is not to protect the lower classes or people of color.”
Sumaya Bouhbal, a junior from the New York campus, also did not find the election result to be surprising, claiming Kamala Harris’s inadequate campaign.
“During Harris's campaign, there weren't a lot of things that made me feel fully confident,” said Bouhbal.“ As a person of color, as a woman, as a Muslim, as the child [and grandchild] of an immigrant, I think the results were disheartening, but I wouldn't say I was surprised.”
Ramirez said that, to an extent, being physically away from the political atmosphere back at home brings a sense of relief. “I feel a lot better than I would if I were in America right now,” she said. “At least there's a distance, but I know I have to go back eventually.”
However, she is disturbed by the comments she gets from her peers in Abu Dhabi. “I have met students who feel a different way than I do,” said Ramirez. “They don't know what it's like to be a person of color in America, and they don't know what it's like to be coming from a low socio-economic background in America.”
Trump’s second term focuses on key issues that include but are not limited to expanding tariffs, mass deportations, cutting taxes, and dismantling diversity programs in education. Although he claimed that there would not be a nationwide abortion ban and the issue would be left up to states to decide, experts say there may be efforts to restrict access to abortion pills through telehealth or mail delivery.
“Coming from a family of immigrants, I worry so much about my family coming as a half Mexican individual,” said Ramirez. “I [also] fear that so many women are in danger because there's already so many laws in place in so many states that are banning it.”
But for others, there is a somber sense of certainty. Bouhbal draws on this, expressing that she expects to see the same episodes of discrimination and hostility that unfolded during Trump’s first presidency.
“I don't feel a lot of uncertainty,” said Bouhbal. “I expect to face the same discrimination that we faced from right-wingers under the last Trump presidency.”
Though the future is unclear, students are determined to stand resilient against the possible outcomes that the new presidency may ensue.
“I plan to go back to New York and engage in mutual aid efforts and teach-ins to make sure people are more aware of what is happening,” added Bouhbal, “so that in the next election, we don't see the same mistakes being repeated.”
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