US educational institutions are preparing for Donald Trump’s second inauguration with mental health support services and travel advisories for international students.
Most schools will be closed on Inauguration Day, which falls on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Universities across the country are offering various resources to help students cope with the transition, similar to the support provided following Trump’s victory in the 2024 election.
Mental health guidance, travel notices for foreign students, and organised demonstrations are among the measures being implemented by colleges and universities ahead of the Republican’s swearing-in ceremony.
Trump’s inauguration begins in a matter of hours
Reuters
Emory University’s Rollin School of Public Health has addressed concerns about presidential transition anxiety through an interview with clinical psychologist Rachel Waford.
“Americans are experiencing a mix of emotions as Trump prepares to start his second term as President of the United States”, the university stated, noting that for some, the prospect is “stirring up fear and anxiety”.
Waford advised those experiencing anxiety to limit social media exposure and news consumption.
“Plug into your community, social supports, and the things that bring a sense of security, safety, and control”, the psychologist recommended.
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Cornell University’s Office of Global Learning cautioned that a new travel ban could target multiple countries
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Similar warnings have been issued by several prestigious institutions, including Harvard University
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Universities across America are urging international students to return before the inauguration, warning of potential immigration restrictions under Trump’s second term.
Cornell University’s Office of Global Learning cautioned that a new travel ban could target multiple countries, including Iran, Libya, Syria and potentially China and India.
The University of Southern California noted that executive orders affecting travel and visa processing may be implemented after the inauguration.
Similar warnings have been issued by several prestigious institutions, including Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Penn State.
Anti-Israel college groups in Chicago are planning demonstrations for Inauguration Day.
The University of Illinois Chicago’s Students for Justice in Palestine and Students for a Democratic Society chapters will protest to “fight back against Trump’s racist and reactionary program”, according to their social media posts.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Unified School District has taken a firm stance on immigration enforcement.
Universities across the country are offering various resources to help students cope with the transition, similar to the support provided following Trump’s victory in the 2024 election
Reuters
“We will not allow any law enforcement entity to take any type of immigration action against our students or their families within our care”, LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho declared at a January press conference.
Several universities have established dedicated spaces to help students process the election outcome.
Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy has created a “Self-Care Suite” on campus.
Northwestern University has developed a “post-election wellness space” offering various comfort activities.
The wellness space provides students with puzzles, snacks and “brain break activities”.
These initiatives mirror similar support services that were offered following Trump’s first presidential victory.
The Close Up Foundation is also organising seven-day trips to Washington DC, helping young people understand “how our national ideals impact us today”.
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