Students react to the presidential election

Following days of counting, UWT students react to the stressful week and the election of Joe Biden.

Former vice-president Joe Biden has been called as the president-elect after becoming the projected winner of Pennsylvania. Throughout the past few weeks, passions among both sides have been running high and anxieties regarding the potential outcome had been prevalent. 

UW Tacoma’s Center for Equity and Inclusion hosted four virtual meetings for students looking to share their reactions, feelings and to chat about the presidential election outcome. Speaking during the meetings was organizer and director of the CEI, Jimmy McCarty.

On the day of the election, and one the day after, McCarty said that the first meeting was made up of people looking for relief from the stress and anxiety of the election. The meeting that day offered a space to vent, to casually talk on the subject of politics. 

The second meeting, held the day following the election, offered a space for different groups to voice their unique perspectives and concerns. 

“We had students that were members of the LGBTQ+ community that were worried for their rights, we had students worrying about health care,” McCarty said, “even students who’d had a confrontation with a family member.” 

McCarty has been a Tacoma resident his entire life and worked at Seattle University until being drawn to UWT.

“Coming back to serve the tacoma community was important to me. When I left UWT wasn’t what it now is, and I love how its helped evolve this city”

Along with students versed in politics, there were students who were new to political discourse who may have not voted before this election but wanted to join in the conversation nonetheless. One first time voter was Nathaniel Roy, a freshman intending to major in computer science. He shared his feelings on the proceedings.

“I was really engaged in the news, I was constantly checking,” Roy said. “There was definitely a feeling of anxiety, waiting for a result in such a tight race.” 

McCarty did not ask about anyone’s political affiliations or beliefs, but rather chose to let some offer their ideas up if they were comfortable. He said most students just wanted a place to talk, and that events like this shape UWT into a better school.

“This is a space of reflection,” McCarty explained. “We wanted to hear other peoples’ experiences and learn from them. Even if you didn’t show up, it’s good to know these things are available to us. It helps us engage with our community and our school.”