Republicans at the University of Detroit Mercy are hesitant to show their support for Donald Trump following his repeated attacks on various minority groups.
“I am a bit hesitant to speak out about being a Trump supporter because of the negative connotation around it,” said Cori Hinterser, an architecture major. “One of the things I respect about Trump is his honesty, unlike Hilary. I find it very frustrating when people assume I am a racist, redneck, or rich white girl when I tell people I am a Republican and a Donald Trump supporter.”
During the entire campaign, Trump has been on an uphill battle with both minorities and female voters. That’s been especially felt at Detroit Mercy, where 18 percent of the students are minorities and 59 percent is female, according to the university.
Trump supporters find it difficult to be vocal about their political views.
“Although Detroit Mercy has always been a diverse campus, you can always have a mature conversation about it,” said Professor John Feichtner. “Students may not agree, but it seems everyone is open to the conversation. No matter who you support, it is important to understand that many people have died for your right to vote.”
A quality that Trump supporters like about him is the fact that he does not hold back or censor his feelings whether they are politically correct or not. This quality has gotten him into a lot of trouble on the campaign trail.
Students are worried about not feeling like their opinion would be accepted. Some are also concerned with vandalism.
“I do not ever want to put my political views on my car or outside my house,” said nursing major Tabatha Sack. “People these days get rocks thrown through their windows or beat up because of their political affiliation.”
Detroit Mercy students say they want to see more of an open mind when hearing other opinions and not jump to conclusions when they hear who someone is voting for.
“I am definitely afraid to voice my opinion on campus, social media, and in public,” said dental major Casey Rhines. “It is really important for people to understand that just because I support Trump does not mean I agree with everything he has said. I hope people begin to be more open-minded because if elections were simple and there was no clear choice, then we would not need an election in the first place.”
