With the looming uncertainty regarding the 2020 Election, The Hill School hosted form events followed by seven student-led club discussions to discuss the upcoming Presidential Election and how this election’s results will impact their respective groups. As the tension outside the Hill bubble continues to rise, so do the tensions within the student body. With disputation stemming from club discussions, one controversy came to light: should international students be a part of this election?

“People were talking about how international students should not participate in the discussions because we’ve only been here for three years and know nothing about the country,” said Amber Cao ’21. “However, teachers were saying that you should know what’s going on within the country and voice your opinion because you’re living here. I feel like I’m stuck in the middle and don’t know what to do.”

As the discussion from one of the politically affiliated clubs turned into a heated discourse on the issue of systemic racism in the United States, some local students stated that international students should not make assumptions and have opinions about racism within the United States with only three years of experience in a privileged boarding school. As the discussions regarding the issue continued to the classroom on November 3, some international students felt upset by the comments.

“I personally think that it’s important for international students to have a say especially because we’re living here currently. In addition, I hope they can value our opinions as well. The fact that a lot of people are saying just because you’re international you shouldn’t voice your opinion is very wrong, which makes us feel very uncomfortable,” said Ellie Lee ’21.

While some local students have mixed feelings about international students speaking up on the United States election, others feel differently.

“While the international students are not American, they still live here,” said Trent Charlton ’21. “Not to mention that most international students plan to go to college and work in the States. Even though you can’t vote, you can still influence things and voice your opinions.”

“We were often taught in our education that we should have the freedom to speak no matter what we believe in… It is often said that school is a reflection of our society. If they [international students] don’t feel supported to share their opinions among their peers, will they feel the same way when they are out into the real world?” according to Helen Qiu, International Student and Family Support Manager.