CSUN DACA Walkout Protest
An overview of the November 16 walkout regarding the President-elect’s immigration policies
Protests are popping up on college campuses across the country in favor of creating sanctuary campuses for undocumented students. Students at California State University Northridge came together in front of Oviatt Library to share their stories in the wake of an upsetting presidential election.
Many students stood in solidarity with undocumented students, friends, and family. Some students shared their personal stories of the events that have surrounded them since the election while others voiced their fears.
One student came forward to speak about how her boss had asked her, “when she was going back [across the border].” She pleaded that other students call out their friends and families for making jokes like that while some members of the crowd cried, “Call HR!”
Another student was worried about the future of planned parenthood. She feared not being able to control what could happen to her body, a concern that has been voiced by many women around the country.
One student called out the protesters for not speaking up earlier. When Trump announced his bid for presidency, when Trump won the republican nomination, and every time the President-elect spoke ill of an ethnic group.
Michele Partido, a CTVA major at CSUN, is an undocumented student who has lived in this country since she was one. She’s spent 21 years in this country, and ever since Trump has been elected she’s been feeling, “Scared and sad.”
“When we got back to day one, when it happened, I cried all night,” Partido said.
Partido said that it was scary that her family had to get an immigration lawyer just to see what their future holds.
“I just want to go to school and be successful, just like everyone else.”
This movement is happening across the country
Dr. William Watkins, the Vice President of California State University, Northridge commented on the protest today and said that the university supports the student body.
“I’m pleased that students are coming out today to be supportive of each other and to unify their voice relative the concerns,” said Watkins. But more importantly their intentionality to be here and be vital part of their education and to know that it’s their right to that.”
Dr. Watkins’ wanted to emphasize that they want to help the students as well and stay around for their academic careers.
“Our hope that the students will be able to be with us thoughout the entire educational journey. Their voices will be those in support of accomplishing that set of objectives,” said Watkins. “The students that are attaining doc status we are in support of that.”
