US campuses face repression amid Gaza protests and election chaos

This fall, U.S. campuses are experiencing heightened political activity as students engage in voter registration drives and political events. However, a significant crisis in America’s electoral common sense has emerged, particularly among students who feel disillusioned by the lack of meaningful choices in the political landscape. Many perceive both major parties as complicit in ongoing injustices, particularly regarding the situation in Gaza, leading to protests that challenge the status quo. At a recent rally, demonstrators confronted Vice President Kamala Harris, accusing her of genocide, highlighting the growing frustration among politically conscious youth. Students have been conditioned to view voting as the pinnacle of political engagement, yet they now question the efficacy of this belief. The notion that voting is a sacred civic duty is being challenged as they recognize the limitations of the electoral process. This disillusionment is compounded by the perception that the ballot box serves more as a tool for maintaining control rather than a genuine avenue for political expression. As students grapple with these realities, they are increasingly alienated from traditional political participation. The prevailing sentiment is that the electoral system fails to represent their interests or address pressing issues, leading to a crisis of confidence in the political process. This moment serves as an opportunity for educators and activists to reframe the narrative around civic engagement and encourage critical discussions about the role of voting in a democratic society. Ultimately, the current climate on campuses reflects a broader discontent with the political establishment, as young people seek alternative means of expressing their political agency beyond the ballot box.