Ignore Those Who Want You to be Weak

On The Failure of Universities to Cultivate Resilience

Universities have rightfully faced criticism online for cancelling classes and offering students services to deal with the “post-election trauma.” Such messaging is indicative of the problems pervasive in higher education: ideological capture and administrative bloat. These factors have collectively worked to undermine student resilience and harm mental health in the process.

The push for DEI activists to create “inclusive” communities undermines inclusivity and its hypocritical advocacy harms students. Not only does the messaging from universities suggest to students that they should be upset because the wrong candidate was elected, excluding and in many cases actively shaming those who might have desired a different result, but it also implies that students are so dysfunctional and intolerant that they cannot process and move forward from a disappointment.

Such communication suggests and reinforces perceptions of weakness, in both individual resilience and collective capacities. Instead of selling students short, universities should foster a balanced approach that promotes an atmosphere of resilience, unity, and constructive dialogue, encouraging a sense of empowerment rather than vulnerability. Below, I outline some reasons why these messages are counterproductive and how universities can adopt a more constructive tone. While the discussion is targeted at the current response to the election, these ideas are also applicable to the broader student services complex that endlessly problematizes the normal experiences of collegiate life as overwhelmingly stressful and sends constant calls to “check in on” one’s mental health.

When Help is Actually Harmful

Messages that tell people they are weak or imply that they are fragile reinforce negative perceptions about their own resilience. For students especially, messages that emphasize vulnerability over capability can lead to a reduction in self-confidence and self-efficacy. This is particularly relevant in a post-election context, where heightened emotions and political tensions may be at play. Suggesting that one should fall apart when they don’t get their way is also counterproductive to teaching skills to deal with disappointment.

It is important not only that people understand their strength but that they learn to adopt a mindset of empowerment. Particularly in an educational environment, challenges should be seen as opportunities for growth and learning. Messaging that implies individuals are inherently weak and need endless support creates a sense that one lacks the capacity to adapt on their own and that the process of adapting is somehow unwelcome. Rather than encouraging students to move forward, they are encouraged to wallow in a state of impotence. Students should instead be supported in viewing any outcome as a learning opportunity, a chance to engage constructively with differing viewpoints, and a moment to practice adaptability, critical thinking and emotion regulation.

The ideological capture of universities is also present in such post-election messaging. University campuses should be hubs for diverse ideas and open discussion. However, when messaging implies that students should be upset about a result, this discourages them from engaging in dialogue or participating in discussions with those who might disagree because it sends the message that there was only one outcome that is supported. Those who preferred the outcome that occurred are also shuttered from publicly sharing their support.

Community resilience is predicated upon the connections built between individuals of different backgrounds and perspectives – something that DEI advocates should appreciate. The practice of promoting inclusion in community only when one adheres to the chosen ideology is not about promoting community but about promoting conformity. Strong communities can withstand diversity of opinion because they allow for different points of view while emphasizing shared humanity and participation in relationship building. Messages that emphasize the importance of mutual respect, curiosity, constructive disagreement, and shared goals can help create a sense of unity even in times of political division.

Finally, part of a university’s role is to prepare students for life beyond graduation. In professional settings, resilience and adaptability are valued and necessary for success, and individuals must often engage with differing viewpoints and navigate challenging situations. University messaging that reinforces resilience prepares students for these real-world scenarios, as they are unlikely to get to pet dogs or delay completing projects because their favorite contestant didn’t win on the Voice. Resilience-promoting messages should conveys the idea that, while people may experience a wide range of emotions after an election (or any other event), they also possess the strength and adaptability to move forward productively.

A Mindset Shift is Necessary

Universities can and should change their messaging to help students build resilience. First, they must stop the weakness-promoting nature of their post-election communications. Over half the country selected Donald Trump and rather than vilify this outcome and those who voted for him, the election should be discussed with respect for voters on both sides. Second, and probably more importantly, universities should adjust all their messaging to students from recruitment through graduation.

Universities should seek to reaffirm their role as cultivators of excellence in all domains. This means not only building intellectual rigor into curriculum to promote critical thinking and academic resilience but also fostering a mindset in students where challenge is valued, and self-regulation is promoted to build personal resilience. Students should also be encouraged to reflect on their experiences with gratitude rather than grievance and appreciate the privilege of attending a university on one of the greatest countries in the world. Consider how few and unimportant one’s problems must be if cookies and coloring books are the things necessary to help solve them?

In sum, universities can play a powerful role in guiding students toward resilience and empowerment in the wake of elections and in life more generally. By focusing on messages that encourage strength, growth, and adaptability, university communications can foster an environment where individuals feel capable, connected, and ready to engage in meaningful dialogue and actively seek to expose themselves to the experiences necessary to truly become great.

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