More Than a Watch Party: Why Political Conversations on Campus Matter

Sponsored by The Brian Mulroney Institute of Government, on Monday November 2nd, The StFX Political Societies hosted a US Midterm Election Watch Party. On the big screen in the Barrick Auditorium, framed by mark ups of all the contentious states, students clapped along their support. Via the CNNs Election Night Coverage, the energy of the students was palpable as votes rolled in. 

These non-partisan events are crucial on campus, as they allow the student body to engage with the political climate around them. Students brought their computers, and snacks were provided, allowing for a comfortable and safe stage for students to watch the midterm election. As the polls came in it only became more apparent how comfortable students were. Open discussion on the different situations in the United States was apparent throughout the auditorium. 

These events are also learning opportunities for many.  Often on campus we see a sort of dampening of voices around politics. It is rare to see events which help students come forward and engage with the very politics that affect them, whilst still being a part of the community. One of the leading programs here at StFX is Public Policy and Governance, a unique program which focuses in on these ideological struggles and the framework which we, as students and citizens, interact with every day. When a program like this makes up a significant amount of our student body, it only becomes that much more important to have events where students can truly interact with the politics around them in a safe, supportive, and importantly informative environment. 

When watching the coverage over the big screen it was obvious that while the event was strictly labeled ‘non-partisan’, which in simple terms means it is not a party-affiliated event, it was still a place for students, no matter their standing, to be open and interact. Students were clearly clapping along for whom they were supported, and the atmosphere was not one of hate, or restriction. Instead, there was a distinct feeling of student community as students, no matter their political opinion, had come out at 8pm on a Tuesday to watch politics.  These events provide a necessary and distinctly safe outlet for students to express their political opinions. 

During the event, I interviewed Arlo Thompson, a 3rd year Forensic Psych student about his opinion on the event, and its importance on campus. When asked why he attended, he explained that “This election feels like a bit of a turning point for global elections and is important for the future of trade in our country.” He then added, “As a University in which Public Policy and governance is so focused, creating a safe space is both helpful learning tool for those both in the program, and for people like me, who are outside and want to know more.” That seemed to be the consensus in the room as students from every program attended, from PGOV to Psychology. No matter the degree, events where students can learn and engage with current political events opens doors for student discussion and breaks barriers that mute political discussion. 

But it wasn’t just the student opinion that mattered, as there is a clear intersection between events like this and the Political Science classes that so many students attend. To learn more, I reached out to Dr Nathan Allen, an Associate Professor and Chair here at StFX in the Political Science Department. He explained why these events are important saying “Healthy democratic politics requires both partisan competition and cooperation, and it speaks well of the student societies that they can find a productive balance.” Dr Allen also touched upon the timeliness of how classes at StFX and events like this cross over into each other saying, “As US politics continues its trajectory of polarization, I appreciate the symbolism of US elections becoming moments of cross-partisan cooperation at StFX.” Dr Allen’s comment draws on how these events create a melting-pot for current political debate, representation and mainly discussion of the current political sphere. 

It is also crucial to note that these events take a large degree of planning and organization. I met with Kate Byrne, President of the Political Science Society here at StFX to get her input. As a fourth-year Political Science major, she emphasised that “Our goal is student engagement. Not matter your political alignment, we want you on campus involved.” This speaks to how as a non-partisan society, Kate helps to bring together different student political parties in a place where students can come together and feel represented.  Kate also gave credit to Donovan Hawley with the X Young New Democrats, who as Kate said did the “brunt of the organising.” Overall, Kate mentioned that “We hope that they [students] know that the student executives of these parties will at these events, and that someone will be there who supports them and aligns with their views.” She referred to the society as the “non-partisan group that is the academic side that brings everybody together.” This statement shows how important the Political Science Society is for supporting events on campus where no matter the party or the degree of education, everyone has a place in the political discussion. 

The Midterm Watch Party, and events like it, represent the importance of spaces on campus that create open, safe, and educational conversation around politics. As daily changes to the political sphere happen every day, these events are spaces in which students can engage with their beliefs, whilst also entering a learning environment. And they could not be possible without the help of organisations like the Political Science Society, professors like Dr Allen, and everyone behind the scenes who help to make politics on campus a little less daunting.