Harvard Must Pop Its Political Bubble

Republicans won the Senate, House, and Presidency? You can’t be serious.

Many students were dumbfounded following the 2024 U.S. presidential election. How could President Donald Trump, someone whose opinions are so contrary to the political takes we hear on the daily, be re-elected?

With most Harvard students identifying as liberal and most Republicans in hiding, it is clear we live in a political bubble. Living and learning in such a cloistered political environment leaves students unprepared for the diverse political reality they encounter after graduation. Harvard should take concrete action to expose students to a wider range of views, including increasing media literacy and offering more ways to academically engage with conservatism.

The liberal dominance at Harvard extends past the student body. In 2023, over 77 percent of surveyed Harvard faculty identified as either “very liberal” or “liberal.” Clearly, we have a campus culture where progressivism is the norm.

These numbers create a disconnect between our campus and the country as a whole — with President Trump winning 312 electoral votes and the popular vote, it is no secret our nation is more conservative than Harvard students might perceive.

When students spend 24/7 immersed in a predominantly liberal environment — whether it be in our classes, discussion sections, or club meetings — perception gaps easily form. Students develop a distorted sense of national political perspectives that can naturally lead to shock or disbelief upon entry to the post-graduation world.

Many Harvard students find themselves working or traveling in diverse international settings where cultural, political, and social perspectives differ from their campus experience. Without exposure to a broader range of viewpoints, how can we effectively navigate new environments or approach global challenges with understanding and adaptability? Such a limited perspective can make it harder to build meaningful connections and collaborate effectively, ultimately limiting one’s ability to thrive in our diverse world.

To address this dangerous political bubble, Harvard must take concrete steps to create a more balanced campus environment.

The University should promote media literacy by encouraging students to engage with news outlets from across the political spectrum. Offering workshops on critical media consumption can help students form well-rounded perspectives on national and global issues.

Harvard should also incorporate more coursework critically examining conservative thought, economic policy, and political movements. While not the primary solution, expanding academic opportunities to engage with a broader ideological spectrum would ensure students — especially those pursuing careers in law, politics, or public service — are better prepared to navigate political conversations and policymaking beyond Harvard’s predominantly liberal environment.

Inviting political experts and analysts to teach and lead discussions on political polarization and media influence can provide students with a deeper understanding of the political landscape. Such efforts would help equip students with the skills needed to navigate a divided world and engage in more productive conversations.

More targeted efforts or workshops could help students engage with differing viewpoints in a more structured way, especially for those not already involved in political programs on campus.

The political bubble at Harvard presents an opportunity for growth. Yes, our University is a predominantly liberal environment. But that doesn’t mean students should express shock and horror when confronted with conservatism.

If the phenomenon goes unaddressed, student perspectives will continue to be limited. To better prepare students for leadership roles and successful post-grad careers, Harvard should encourage more diverse political discourse and ensure that students engage with differing viewpoints.

By creating academic space for conversations across the political spectrum and promoting media literacy, Harvard can take specific actions to help students navigate a world full of diverse opinions and perspectives.

Your move, Harvard — it’s time to pop the bubble.

Kelli D. Higgins ’28, a Crimson Editorial Editor, lives in Thayer Hall.