The Institute for Democracy & Higher Education (IDHE) guide helps campuses support students, faculty, and staff through the often tense post-election period. It encourages defending academic freedom, sharing responsibility for setting post-election norms, and creating safe spaces for students to express themselves. IDHE also advises on responding to students in distress, proactively addressing disinformation, and preparing for peaceful protests, fostering an inclusive, resilient campus community. Ultimately, the guide positions elections as teachable moments to strengthen democratic engagement and discourse. Read the summary below and find the full guide from IDHE and AAC&U.
The days and weeks following an election are a critical time on college campuses. Students, faculty, and staff are not only processing political outcomes but often navigating complex emotions, discussing contentious issues, and sometimes facing heightened tensions. Recognizing this, the Institute for Democracy & Higher Education (IDHE) at the American Association of Colleges & Universities (AAC&U) offers a practical guide for campuses on how to create supportive, democratic spaces in the post-election period. Read the summary below and find the full guide here to help campus communities foster learning, inclusion, and democracy after Election Day. Defend Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy Academic freedom and institutional autonomy are at the core of a campus's democratic purpose. Over recent years, higher education institutions have faced legislative pressures that attempt to limit or reshape curricula and restrict discussions on so-called "divisive concepts." The guide encourages campus leaders to stand firm in their commitment to academic freedom, which is essential for a robust democratic society. IDHE recommends that institutions make public commitments to fostering open, constructive discussions on democracy and the current political climate, including its challenges and opportunities. Share Responsibility for Post-Election Climate and Norms It’s unrealistic and unfair for campus leaders alone to shoulder the burden of maintaining a positive post-election climate. IDHE suggests involving a broad coalition of campus community members, including faculty, staff, student affairs personnel, mental health counselors, and even students. A collaborative approach helps distribute responsibilities, creates more buy-in, and allows for a wider range of perspectives. IDHE also highlights the importance of reflecting on lessons from past elections to inform strategies this year. Facilitate Opportunities for Student Engagement and Expression A central theme of the guide is the need for campuses to provide spaces for students to share their views and feel supported. This can take the form of affinity groups, intergroup dialogues, and informal gathering spaces where students can connect with peers who share similar identities or viewpoints. A campus that is proactive in organizing spaces for constructive discussion fosters a stronger sense of belonging and purpose, giving students a healthy outlet to process and engage. Respond Compassionately to Students Experiencing Distress Election cycles can evoke anxiety and frustration, and it’s important that campuses provide support for students struggling with post-election stress. The guide recommends involving mental health services, offering one-on-one or group counseling, and providing resources for learning coping skills. By addressing students' concerns with compassion and support, campuses can help prevent feelings of helplessness and promote resilience. Additionally, encouraging students to engage in activism can empower them and help channel their emotions productively. Prepare Faculty and Staff for Post-Election Classroom Interactions Faculty and staff are often the first point of contact for students in the aftermath of an election, making it essential that they feel equipped to facilitate constructive discussions. IDHE encourages educators to establish clear norms for classroom discussions, resist pressure to remain silent on political issues, and connect course content to democratic principles. Transparency with students about personal comfort levels and maintaining a nonpartisan approach are also emphasized as ways to foster a supportive, inclusive learning environment. Proactively Challenge Disinformation Disinformation is an increasingly pervasive threat that can erode trust in democratic processes and divide communities. IDHE encourages campuses to address disinformation directly and collaboratively by providing resources on media literacy, encouraging fact-checking, and creating opportunities for students to verify claims with evidence. By fostering an environment where students are trained to identify misinformation, campuses can help build a more informed and resilient community. Prepare for and Support Peaceful Student Protests Finally, campuses must be ready for the possibility of post-election protests. Student assemblies and protests are a powerful form of civic engagement, and supporting these expressions while maintaining campus safety is crucial. IDHE’s guide suggests preparing by reviewing and updating policies on free expression and conduct, and clearly communicating these guidelines to the campus community. Leaders can also de-escalate tensions by actively listening to student concerns and involving them in discussions around institutional responses. In the post-election period, campuses play a vital role in nurturing democratic engagement and building resilient communities. IDHE’s guide serves as a call to action for higher education institutions to step up as bastions of democracy, fostering learning, dialogue, and compassion. By defending academic freedom, supporting open expression, and encouraging constructive discourse, campuses can empower students, staff, and faculty to engage with the challenges and responsibilities of democracy—together.
Elections are more than just moments to endure; they’re teachable moments that shape the fabric of our democratic society. For campuses willing to lean into this role, IDHE’s guide offers a pathway toward a more engaged, informed, and connected community in the days following an election. Guide URL: https://dgmg81phhvh63.cloudfront.net/content/user-photos/Initiatives/IDHE/Morning-after-the-Election_IDHE.pdf
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