Politics can often be perceived as a sensitive or controversial topic to be discussed in a school environment. The Young Republicans Club and the Young Democratic Socialists of America are the two political clubs of the Hill that foster a safe environment for discussion. These organizations enable students to openly discuss their political opinions.

The Young Republicans Club centers on the conservative political stance, with the primary goal of providing an open space for political discussion especially regarding conservative ideals and beliefs. “We plan to educate students by providing shared spaces for discussion, where all are welcome to respectively give their two cents on a matter,” Co-President Reagan Basile ’23 stated.

 Encouraging the diverse student body of The Hill to discuss, the club plans to enable students to grasp a better knowledge with different views. Basile continues by explaining that,  “engaging in these types of conversations can enhance a student’s tolerance for other opinions and the way to appropriately conduct themselves when emotions may stir.” The club plans to foster an environment where proper political discussion can take place with attention to the safety and respect of others, while upholding a setting of conservative ideals.

The Young Democratic Socialists of America aims to spark change in local and national communities by organizing with other groups such as the Philly DSA. They also plan to educate students at Hill who do not know where they lie on the political spectrum. Nimala Sivakumar ’23 explained that the political spectrum discussed can also apply to international students.  “I want to try and simplify complex political theory into more digestible bites, if you will,” Sivakumar said.

The YDSA plans to help give second chances to recently released prisoners by working with the Second Chance Initiative, an organization that helps find jobs for released inmates. “Part of the culture at Hill is definitely the Honor Code, but more importantly, the possibility of second chances after students make mistakes,”  she said. The YDSA plans to both educate Hill students on political theories and topics while working with established organizations to enact change outside of the school. 

Safe and open political discussions are important to such a diverse school. Both Hill’s political clubs work toward fostering a healthy environment for political discourse and political awareness.