Gen Z’s Engagement in Politics is More Important Than Ever

Article by Nyla Black, TPT Staff Writer

As one of the newest generations, Generation Z (‘Gen Z’)  will be the people to inherit the world, so it’s more important than ever for them to vote. Over the past couple of years the world has changed drastically. Gen Z kids have grown up during extreme life altering events, social movements, a global pandemic and the national divide that followed. Since the 2020 presidential election the political climate has changed drastically making it critical for Gen Z to understand what they are voting for and their political identity. 

On January 6th 2021, the day that the US Congress certified the election results that declared Joe Biden as president; a group of the former president's supporters stormed the US capitol building in attempts to stop the process, making history. The actions of his supporters added to the already tense atmosphere surrounding politics. Many smaller events alongside this have aided to the stigma surrounding the primary elections. Anywhere from political parties “debating” on tiktok, to the increasing amount of name calling and bad mouthing shown by not only civilians but also our political officials. With Gen Z growing up in this increasingly hostile atmosphere, we have been widely divided going into adulthood. 

On a national scale it can be hard to come together and fight for one thing but on a smaller level it can be much easier. Recently, over the past two years in the state of Florida, many questionable bills have been passed by our governor, Ron Desantis. The bills passed include but are not limited to, the 6 week abortion ban (Florida Senate bill 300), the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill (1557), and Bill 1223, which  prohibits the use of pronouns in schools that don’t align with a student’s gender assigned to them at birth. The bills introduced threaten the way of life for many citizens in the state of Florida. It attacks many, if not most, of the people who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community. 

“I think Ron DeSantis poses a big threat to many human rights that have been fought for, for a long time,” said senior Leven Fletcher from St. Cloud High School.

That being said, Gen Z  has one of the biggest LBGTQ+ populations. I surveyed 62 teens and young adults from Florida and 75% of people said that they identify as a part of the LGBTQ+ community, while 22% do not and the remaining 3% preferred not to say. The students who may not be able to be themselves in their home life now cannot express themselves at school due to Bill 1557 and 1223.  The true impact of this legislation will have ramifications for years to come if not repealed. 

The attack on gender identity, sexuality and pronouns also bled into Floridians’ education. Right before the 2023-2024 school year was set to start, Advanced Placement(AP) Psychology was banned from Florida schools due to its lessons on gender identity and sexual orientation. According to College Board’s announcement on August 3rd, Ap Psychology was one of the most popular AP classes in the state of Florida with around 28,000 students registered to take the class the 2022-23 school year. As you can imagine, the debarring of this class affected many students who enjoy the subject or plan to pursue it as a career in the future.

Entering adulthood is scary, and with the political state of Florida up in arms, Gen Z has many thoughts concerning the future of Florida. Regardless of political party, many young adults in Florida share one main criticism of the current leadership in Florida. 

“Desantis is acting like an authoritarian dictator. He is dangerously playing with the evangelical vote, trying to convert this state into a theocracy of sorts,” said a student from Lake Brantley High School, Altamonte Springs Florida.

When referencing the possibility of our governor becoming president, there are many more concerns induced by the January 6th Capitol Storm and the political tirade shown by extreme right winged people after the results of the 2020 election. 

“I believe that every man running for president in this election is power hungry for just this sense of recognition and control over a large group of people. The fact that some are willing to slander others in elections in order to win, or the fact some are willing to take away education from others in belief they are ‘Making a better America’ is absolutely insane,” said sophomore Avery Blenis at Lake Brantley High School.

“Florida's governor does not seem like a fit choice to be running in the election, instead of making choices for the people it’s more about choices he believes himself to be true,” said another student at Lake Brantley High School.

Many teens and adults from Generation Z have similar criticisms of the current political state of the United States and Florida that deserve to be heard. Recently Lake Brantley High School hosted voter registration seminars where political and educational figures in our community promoted voter pre-registration and voting for change to the juniors and seniors.  

“It's critical that young people vote because the elected officials that are put in place today are gonna be making policies that insure the success of this generation or doom their future.” said Lorie Mertens, parent of a teenager attending Lake Brantley High School.

In order for our future to change, we must go out and vote to change it. It’s critical that we see ourselves represented in our country. We should be able to see people who look like us and experience what we do, representing us, that’s why we have the right to vote. 

“We need younger people in power in general. They understand the struggles Americans have.” said Emily Rowe, ESE Support Facilitator at Lake Brantley High School. “Younger people have  to vote. That's how you can make sure you are protected and you are heard.” 

Sources:

College Board's Ap Psych Announcement

Florida Senate Bill 1223 regarding pronouns

Florida Senate Bill 300 regarding abortion

Florida Senate Bill regarding topics of sexuality in Florida education