In a time of political polarization and widespread uncertainty, the campus community gathered for a teach-in event examining the first 100 days of President Donald Trump’s administration. The event brought together faculty, staff and students to engage in four themed panels, the economy, environment, rights and the way forward.
The initiative was sparked by Student Government Association (SGA) President Victor Oluwagbemi, who collaborated with Civic Community and Engagement Center (CCEC) staff members Dylan Heffernan, Assistant Director of the We Care Program and Civic Engagement, Allie Shapiro, Community Engagement Coordinator and Student Office Manager Sarah Glisson.
“This was the second Teach-In that was created by student leaders, faculty from Political Science and Law and Society and leaders from Student Involvement and the Civic & Community Engagement Center,” said one of the contributors Kaitlin Sidorsky, associate professor of political science and public policy. “This was an important event for students to learn and ask questions about current political events as well as for faculty to share their expertise on changes in public policy.”
Faculty members, including Law and Society Professor Mihaela Serban, Associate Professor of Law and Society Jeffrey Ellsworth, Director of the Center for Student Involvement Rick Brown and student Oliver Mejia, SGA Vice President, also contributed. Together, they brought the vision to life which featured over two dozen speakers and a wide range of perspectives.
The panel on the economy featured three speakers who explored early financial shifts under the administration, including uncertainty surrounding federal bonds and broader economic policy.
The environment panel, which fittingly took place on Earth Day, brought together six faculty members who emphasized the impact of climate change. Panelists discussed the importance of uplifting community-based efforts to protect the environment, emphasizing how giving back locally can spark broader change.
The two-part rights panel featured eleven speakers and touched on a wide range of civil liberties issues, including reproductive rights, free speech, academic freedom and public health. Faculty discussed rising concerns around the restriction of abortion access and the implications of government interference in higher education.
“We are all vulnerable to misinformation,” warned Professor Leah Warner during the panel, emphasizing the need to rely on credible sources and expert voices when engaging with politicized topics.
The final panel, the way forward, focused on civic engagement, encouraging students to stay informed and active.
“It was so nice to see students excitedly supporting their faculty and mentors as they took the stage,” said Shapiro. “With these programs, we aimed to have students dip into various areas of study and to use them as a framework for examining current events.”
Glisson added, “The second Trump Administration has brought about unprecedented change… Our office — the CCEC — is nonpartisan, so our goal will always be to provide students with the tools to shape their own views. These events emphasize democracy, which is something that everyone can agree on and prioritize, regardless of what you believe.”
The teach-in ultimately served as both a snapshot of the present moment and a reminder that democracy demands participation with continued engagement, critical thought and community-driven dialogue.
lkelyman@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of @ramapocollegenj, Instagram
