Another Friday has come and gone, and at Moravian, Fridays are a time for community and conversation. Friday Forums allow students, faculty, and other community members to come together and discuss current issues.
Because 2024 was an election year, several Friday Forums dedicated time to discussing topics related to politics, such as how to vote and what certain policies mean, and most recently, how to respond to President Trump’s new executive orders.
On Jan. 31, Moravian’s Center for Inclusive Excellence held an hour-long Zoom session open to Moravian students, staff, and any interested community members. Associate Director for Equity & Inclusion, Michelle Rios-Araque, and Associate Director of Admissions for Inclusive Excellence, Karina Fuentes facilitated the conversation.
The mood on the Zoom was incredibly somber. It was clear that all of the attendees were dealing with some form of disappointment, confusion, fear, or anger. The facilitators explained that this call was a safe space where individuals could share their thoughts and emotions freely.
The only request Rios-Araque and Fuentes had was to speak in I-statements, so as to not generalize. The facilitators posed two questions to the group, the first question being, “What emotions have you experienced in response to these executive orders, and how have you managed them?”
Most of the attendees felt the same way.
People were frustrated that others voted for Donald Trump. Others stated that they felt betrayed by loved ones, people they went to church with, colleagues, and even friends for their decision this election season.
One individual said that they have stopped going on social media and reading online news unless it was necessary. They continued, saying that they feel like there is a new headline every hour, each one more extreme than the last. Attendees shared that they are terrified of these executive orders and hesitate going on their phones because they’re afraid to read something on social media that says more of their rights are being taken away.
The next question posed was, “What kind of support have you found helpful during this time?”
As previously mentioned, some people have deleted social media or limited their screen time. There seemed to be a pattern in the responses to this question. Several people said that they are leaning on their fellow faculty for support.
Others are standing together with their marginalized communities such as queer groups or immigrant communities. There were people in attendance who suggested activities such as reading or walking in nature to take their minds off of the news.
An important truth that attendees shared was that there are other people in the country who feel the same emotions towards the executive orders.
“I keep trying to remind myself of the future that I have worked and believed in for my entire life, and trying not to let current events cloud my hope in people to grow, change, and care for one another,” said Hal Grigsby ‘26. “What I can do is use my position as an advantage for those who are targeted – I can’t control the executive orders or the actions of others, but I can control my own.”
He then reflected on how this new era of American politics is one of the darkest in his memory. Young voices are speaking out and want to make themselves heard, he said. “I’ve used hope as my support, and [I am] attempting to share that hope.”
Lastly, and what seemed to resonate with the majority of the people attending, was a reminder that we are all human.
An individual on the Zoom call nudged the others to check in with their bodies. Ask yourself, they said, “Is my body calm?” If not, they recommended taking a beat and breathing. Do something that will bring you joy. If you feel scatterbrained, take a step back, you don’t need to sort anything out at that particular moment.
The final piece of advice one faculty member shared was, “Be aware of how you are being, and continue to live your life and your truth.”
If you have been feeling similar sentiments, the Center for Inclusive Excellence is a resource that is open to students, faculty, and staff.
