Concordia Reacts to Presidential Election

by Bethany Schilling

Presidential nominee Donald J. Trump swept the nation by surprise when he won the majority of electoral votes after losing the popular vote by roughly 2 million, sparking various reactions among the people of America.

From panicked protests to relieved celebrations, one theme has remained constant: controversy.

According to a campus-wide survey conducted by The Sower, Concordia’s students also share some mixed feelings about the election results.

While 58 percent of 100 students who took the survey voted for or supported Donald Trump as president, another 18 percent were in favor of Hillary Clinton, and on top of that, 24 percent supported a third party candidate.

The election results were unexpected by a majority, however, with 67 percent of participants admitting that the outcome was a surprise.

Donald Trump as the future president has been cause for both excitement and unease, with students from both parties voicing concerns.

“(He) sincerely wants to help our country,” junior Brooke McNiel said. “But I worry about his character.”

When students were asked about their worries in the survey, they expressed fears including increased hostility toward the LGBTQ community, unfair treatment of racial minorities, strict immigration laws and diminished relations with foreign countries. Some simply worried that Trump is underqualified and untrustworthy.

On the other hand, students also revealed their hopes for Trump’s leadership in the questionnaire. Several anticipate a stronger military, better economy, less national debt, an improved health care plan and a wise selection for the U.S. Cabinet.

“All things considered, I feel pretty confident that some good things will come out of the next four years of presidency,” senior Cameron Christiansen said.

Even so, one of the most popular issues mentioned by participants was not about either candidate but the discord between their supporters, with anxieties being shared about the hate between those celebrating Trump’s success and those opposed to it.

Assistant Professor of Theology Terrence Groth said he honors the importance of political awareness and encourages respect when dealing with opposition.

“Place a higher value on your relationship with others than on getting them to see things your way or agree with you,” Groth said in an email interview.

Assistant Professor of Journalism and Political Science Tobin Beck invites anyone who wants to talk more about the election to stop by his office in Jesse 213.

“Study the issues, look at all sides, get involved, and be active and working for what you feel should be the right direction,” Beck said.

While the election has definitely sparked fear and division, other professors agree that the best thing for Concordians to do is pray.

“Scriptures tell us not to put our trust in princes,” Associate Professor of Theology Charles Blanco said. “Christ reigns over all.”