Colleges, educational groups offer advice for Inauguration Day ‘anxiety,’ trips to DC for Trump swearing-in
As President-elect Trump’s inauguration approaches, educational institutions and college-affiliated groups are gearing up for the event by offering mental health advice, delivering travel notices to international students, and organizing anti-Israel rallies. With most schools closed on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, due to it coinciding with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, universities and education groups are providing various resources for students on Monday.
In Chicago, several anti-Israel college groups are planning demonstrations. The University of Illinois Chicago’s Students for Justice in Palestine (SJPUIC) and Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) chapters are set to hold an anti-Israel protest to “fight back against Trump’s racist and reactionary program,” as stated in a post on social media.
Meanwhile, other schools are offering mental health advice ahead of the inauguration. Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health recently conducted an interview with clinical psychologist Rachel Waford, who shared tips on dealing with anxiety during presidential transitions. Waford advised individuals experiencing anxiety to limit their exposure to social media and news outlets and focus on tangible ways to plug into their community and social supports for a sense of security and control.
The Close Up Foundation, a nonprofit civic education organization, is offering middle school students the opportunity to participate in a seven-day trip to Washington, D.C., for the inaugural celebration. This initiative aims to help young people understand how national ideals impact society today.
In light of potential travel restrictions under the new administration, international students have been urged by their universities to return to the U.S. before the inauguration. Schools such as Cornell University, the University of Southern California (USC), Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Penn State have issued travel notices warning students of possible travel bans targeting citizens of certain countries.
Furthermore, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has directed teachers to protect students and their families from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions if they show up at schools. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho emphasized that no law enforcement entity will be allowed to take immigration actions against students or their families within the school district’s care.
After President Trump’s victory in the 2024 election, Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy and Northwestern University offered self-care spaces for students to decompress and relax. These initiatives included activities like puzzles, snacks, and brain break activities to support students’ mental well-being during a potentially stressful time.
As the country prepares for President-elect Trump’s inauguration, educational institutions and college-affiliated groups are taking proactive measures to support students’ mental health, address travel concerns for international students, and provide platforms for peaceful demonstrations and activism. These efforts reflect a commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the academic community.
