It is 2026, 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
250 years since establishing the United States of America as an independent country separate from Great Britain.
We are truly the land of the free, but to what extent?
American independence means being able to walk outside to a welcoming environment, one where our differences are celebrated with pride. When separating from Great Britain, America wanted a new form of government, a new way for its people to prosper and brand-new leadership. Those values remain true to this day.
I love America. Thanks to the sacrifices of our Founding Fathers, veterans and civil-rights icons, among so many others, America is a place for every person to grow and prosper. The American Dream is always the goal in our minds, and I am living it.
However, the radical influence from the Trump administration has drastically changed how we view America. That should completely frighten us.
Since taking office, America is no longer a safe place for freedom, rapidly taking away the true meaning and foundation of the United States Constitution. Our rule of law is constantly challenged, taking away our foundation of freedom. Our opportunity in this country is tanking thanks to President Donald Trump’s strenuous economic decisions. Our freedoms outlined in the Constitution are slowly being stripped away nationwide as the administration censors of Trump’s monstrosities.
Civil rights in America are rapidly declining. If you are not a white, able-bodied, heterosexual man, you risk oppression since Trump has taken office. Right now, inhumane and unjust Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids across America are at their highest level, with ICE “officers” detaining more than 10,000 people in just five days. For reference, of the 60,311 people in ICE detention as of April 4, 70.8% have no criminal record.
Civil and human rights across America are under attack. With Trump’s influence on MAGA Republicans in Congress and the Supreme Court, Trump’s Project 2025 goals are sweeping the nation, stripping many people of their basic human rights that have been enshrined for decades.
Not to mention our democracy, a founding principle of America. Since Trump took office, nearly 7 in 10 Americans say U.S. democracy used to be a great example for other countries but is now falling behind worldwide. Additionally, the integrity of our elections should be uniform across party lines. However, now more than ever, lawmakers are pushing to ensure elections remain fair and secure, without the interference from outside sources. In 2024, speculation of election fraud swept the nation, sparking this heated debate.
What has this country come to?
I ask all of you, what does it mean to be American? Does it mean standing on the principles clearly established by our Founding Fathers, or does it mean following a radical dictator doing detrimental damage to America’s core structure? I think the former will defeat the latter any day.
As Vanderbilt students, we attend a university that is often in a controversial, political situation. We have experienced times when our chancellor made decisions against the common interest of our student body. We have experienced times when freedom and position on campus were challenged.
We are the leaders of tomorrow: Will you stand for independence for all or let king-like figures influence you?
