Since the early morning hours of Nov. 9, people across the country have been ranting on Facebook, berating their friends and family and taking to the streets to protest the results of the 2016 presidential election. Boston, Oakland, Chicago, Dallas and countless other cities have seen residents crowding public parks, community buildings and city centers to show their disdain for the president-elect. Three weeks later, the fire behind the topic is burning as hot as ever.
On Nov. 13, Donald Trump chose Stephen Bannon as his chief White House strategist. Bannon was the executive chairman of Breitbart News, a well-known, conservative media outlet with racist and anti-Semitic sentiments. Many have been as outraged with Trump’s choice as the news that Trump had won the election.
Two weeks after Bannon’s appointment, students at Harvard University have decided to take a stand against the future chief strategist, who was invited to the John F. Kennedy School of Government event, “Campaign for President: The Managers Look at 2016.” Protesters report that by inviting Bannon to the event, the university is normalizing Trump’s ideologies and the controversial topics that Bannon stands for. More than 900 students and residents were listed on Facebook to attend the rally, commenting phrases to incite passion for the cause like, “Bannon shouldn’t even be allowed to speak, let alone step foot on campus.”
Douglas Elmendorf, dean of the Kennedy School, replied to protesters. Bannon’s views do not represent the values of the university, but he was invited because he played a key role in this election cycle, Elmendorf said. He added that all guests are welcome, regardless of their political standpoints.
Bannon announced Tuesday night that he would no longer participate in the event on the Ivy’s campus. Organizers of the protest, however, said Bannon’s decision will not put an end to their rally.
Bannon has played a significant role in this election and should be treated as an influential figure to Trump’s campaign. As journalists, we believe that hearing from both sides of a story is not only important but vital to any successful reporting. The fact is, Bannon will be the chief White House strategist effective Jan. 20. Those continuing to protest and advocate against him, particularly college students, are isolating themselves from differing viewpoints. The concept of polarization has never been more influential than it has been in this presidential election. But to break that divide, we should begin to hear out the other side. Though dislike for Bannon is understandable considering his history, protesting his invitation to this event is not likely to have the desired outcome.
College students should be placed in an environment where people have different opinions and accept those viewpoints for what they are. We need to learn to accept that Bannon and Trump are supported in this country and understand that universities have a responsibility to facilitate conversation to elicit controversy. We’re much stronger and more intelligent when we’re willing to listen to people who disagree with us and understand where they’re coming from.
Harvard should not feel apologetic or remorseful for its decision to invite Bannon, nor should it be blamed because of the invitation. As a respected academic institution in one of the most liberal states in the country, Harvard has a duty to educate its students through conferring, contrasting and irregular viewpoints. Now that Bannon has officially canceled his appearance, students who chose to continue the protest are sending the message that they’re just angry in general. Directly or not, the protesters have achieved their goal of expressing their frustration.
Though Bannon’s reasons for canceling were not explicitly stated, he should not avoid these protesters. As chief strategist, Bannon will have to face adversity and those who disagree with him as a daily responsibility. The fact that he decided not to show face at Harvard’s event does not give us hope for the future of Trump’s presidency. Bannon should be able to confront the people who argue with him, take questions and attempt to understand why those who disagree with him feel so strongly. We’re disappointed that Bannon has decided not to attend. Not coming to this event, held by a university where a figure in his position should feel comfortable, shows that Bannon will lie down when he is challenged. As a representative for Trump, the future leader of this country, that is not an ideal image to put into the heads of Americans.
