Chancellor Diermier speaks to the Class of 2024 at their commencement ceremony, as photographed on May 10, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Vanderbilt University)
The majority of the Class of 2024 reported being liberal throughout their time at Vanderbilt, though more students became liberal by graduation. Most also reported voting in their home state or country, and 79% participated in a political activity either on campus or in Nashville during their time at Vanderbilt.
“On campus, I participated in a few protests for administration to divest from fossil fuel companies, as well as one to support further availability of accessible and gender neutral restrooms in lecture halls which remain largely inaccessible to many students,” Ava Kovalski (‘24) said. “I think that these demonstrations were important to help raise awareness, but later on in my time at Vanderbilt, I felt that my time was better spent at off-campus demonstrations. I grew to be a bit cynical about the level of interest that administrators had with openly communicating with concerned students.”
IDEOLOGY
VOTER TURNOUT
ON-CAMPUS POLITICAL ACTIVITY
When it comes to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, 48% of seniors stated they were pro-Palestine, while 16% said they were pro-Israel and 21% are undecided.
Most students strongly disagree with the university's approach to responding to the issue. Chancellor Daniel Diemerier has repeatedly committed to a policy of “institutional neutrality” regarding political issues, including the war. The administration expelled three students, suspended one and issued disciplinary probation to 22 after a sit-in at Kirkland Hall in support of a VSG referendum that would cause the organization to boycott BDS target corporations.
Kovalski voiced her support for Palestine and expressed skepticism about the U.S. government's stance due to its relationship with Israel.
“I support the Palestinian people and continue to hope for a ceasefire,” Kovalski said. “I am not hopeful that the American government will support a ceasefire due to its entanglements with the Israeli government, but it is important for Americans and people around the world to keep vocalizing support for Palestine.”
Noah Srulovitz (‘24) offered insights into how the Israel-Palestine conflict shaped his final semester. He added that his time at Vanderbilt strengthened his Jewish and Zionist identity.
“The Vandy Jewish community was like a beacon of light and hope for me amidst the worst antisemetism that our people has faced since the Holocaust,” Srulovitz said. “I felt inspired seeing fellow student leaders, both Jewish and non-Jewish, who took a stand for what’s right despite the hate and vitriol spewed by other members of the Vanderbilt community. I’m proud of my people, and I look forward to seeing how current students continue fighting for a future where Israelis and Palestinians can coexist and self-determinate in peace.”
Outgoing VSG president Samuel Sliman (‘24) reflected on his experience participating in a Vanderbilt Hillel trip to Israel and Palestine designed to offer educational insights into the conflict.
“Immediately after being chosen as VSG president, I participated in a trip organized by Vanderbilt Hillel to Israel and Palestine intended to educate students about the conflict,” Sliman said. “While I approached the experience with an open mind, the trip felt more like an exercise in Israeli propaganda. I learned from people on the ground, and my initial beliefs were strongly reinforced. It's clear to me that, in any conflict, the privileged tend to benefit further, while the oppressed remain trapped in their struggle.”
During Sliman’s term, the VSG Senate passed two resolutions condemning the university’s response to Kirkland protests.
The most popular political position of those featured on the survey was divesting from fossil fuels, which 66% of students supported. A majority of seniors also supported stricter gun control, abortion, and making gender-affirming care available to minors. The least popular political position was that Greek life should be abolished, which 33% of students supported. In the Class of 2023, 44% of students believed that Greek life should be abolished, signaling waning support for this position.
POLITICAL ISSUES
Shreya Gupta ('24), who served as the Diversity and Inclusion Committee Chair of VSG, criticized the political environment in Tennessee. Throughout the Class of 2024’s time at Vanderbilt, the Tennessee government banned gender-affirming care for minors and restricted drag performances, and Vanderbilt formed a task force in response. Gupta emphasized the need for campus administration to address these issues by actively listening to transgender students and investing in meaningful support measures.
"There is a horrible and oppressive political climate in Tennessee, highlighted by the scandals at VUMC and the way Nashville citizens have been able to harass students on campus with signs that de-legitimize their existence,” Gupta said. “I think no administrator wants campus to be unsafe, but there seems to be a disconnect. Campus administration could really benefit from listening to trans students specifically and finding out how to best support them by putting their money where their mouth is.”
Gupta added that Vanderbilt's administration needs to take more concrete steps to ensure the safety and protection of their students.
“While it's great that the KC Potter Center has tons of resources, the university can't just place the responsibility of protecting all diverse sexual orientations on one small space on campus,” Gupta said. “They need to fully support their students and clearly say, 'We support our students, and we reject what's happening in our state.' It's about standing up for our students' right to exist."