The Right To Speak Up
The result of the November 8th election has sparked an incomparable outrage throughout a majority of the democratic community. What started out as utter heartbreak, has now evolved into action, as individuals have taken to the streets to protest the new President-elect’s policies.
Women, people of color and members of the LGBTQ community have been expressing their fear of Trump’s views and impending actions both virtually and physically through their protests. While “the right to join with fellow citizens in protest or peaceful assembly is critical to a functioning democracy and at the core of the First Amendment”, many supporters of Trump have taken to the same platforms to condemn and counter the actions of the effected community’s response to the election. Conservative news sources and individuals alike, have been documented expressing feelings of distaste towards the protests, claiming that the “rioters” need to “get back to work”, or “deal with the results” as nothing will change. While I agree that the protests will not change the results of the election, or put Hillary Clinton in the White House come January 20th, that is not the sole purpose of these groups voicing their outrage. What Trump supporters seem to be missing is that a majority of individuals are not protesting to take away Trump’s position, but are instead creating an awareness of how his policies will effect minority groups, and taking action to ensure that their communities and schools are preserved as safe spaces within which they can continue to live without fear.
The protest at Rutgers University faced extreme controversy as conservative students, parents and even unaffiliated individuals on social media voiced their “embarrassment” and “disgust” with groups participating. Severe hatred was spewed across various social media platforms condemning the millennial generation for being a “bunch of crybabies, that can’t deal with the real world.” Protesters were told that “Trump is your president, and there is nothing you can do about it.” However, once again the main point of the protests was completely missed. Yes, Trump will be the president after the inauguration on January 20th, and to hopelessly dream for a different reality would not be productive. However, to gather enough support to make Rutgers University a sanctuary campus will make a difference.
What conservative condemners often do not realize during this whirlwind of protests, is that most groups are not just screaming and shouting about their dissatisfaction with the results, but are instead gathering together to implement changes that will ensure their safety and freedom as the fear of severe policy changes quickly approaches. Regardless of what the presidency will actually bring for these groups, the protests are a preventive measure in order to secure the years of progress that has been hard earned, and to maintain safe spaces for those who may or may not face significant life changes within the next two months. It takes both sides to recognize the true purpose and intentions of these protests, and to respect every individual’s right to voice their opinion and express fear for the impending changes to come.
No one can truly gauge what the Trump presidency will bring, but it is the constitutional right for anyone who chooses to gather peacefully in order to implement change within their community, and ensure that their environments are established as free spaces for them post-inauguration.
