‘I am here to continue this fight’: Anti-Trump protest takes place on Bristol Uni campus

An anti-Trump protest took place outside of Senate House today (13th November) in response to Donald Trump’s success in the US elections last week, after a close match with competitor Kamala Harris.

The protest, organised by iFemsoc, Bristol Uni’s Intersectional Feminist Society, saw an outpour of signs, speeches, and slogans calling for unity, justice, and a stand against Trump’s election.

The demonstration opposed the re-elected president and the broader ideologies associated with his political legacy, with dozens of students gathering with posters and chanting.

Sonia Jordan, vice president of iFemsoc, said: “Even though we’re in the UK and we can’t change what’s happened, especially because we’re not in America, but we can create that kind of space for solidarity.”

The society told us they are here to mourn and grieve Trump’s presidency collectively. They aim to create a safe space where people can come together to take a stand against Trump and the hatred behind his message.

They want to make their presence known on campus so that they can offer their solidarity and support.

Student speakers, some of whom are American citizens, shared personal experiences and opinions on how Trump’s election will impact global discourse on human rights and why Bristol should be raising its voice.

Organisers expressed the belief that anti-Trump protests are relevant on a global scale, not just within the United States, as political extremism is an issue that transcends borders.

Many expressed concerns over Trump’s track record on climate change, racial justice, and immigration, feeling that these topics deserve attention even outside the US.

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The recent election has brought many contentious issues including the reproductive rights of women, the protection of minorities and the war in Gaza.

Regarding the University of Bristol’s involvement in the war in Gaza, the group chanted, “Shame on UOB.”

Other chants included “My body, my choice” and “We reject the president elect.”

Elle Crosby, a student from Atlanta, Georgia, explained that the protestors are here to continue this fight against the issues that have been “rampaging” both America and the world and to not give up hope, even all the way in Bristol.

She said: “I am here to show that we’re not going to stay silent, and we are not going to give up hope.

“We’re going to continue fighting until we can’t anymore.”

Trump’s victory saw an overwhelmingly negative reaction amongst Bristol students. We spoke to a few American international students who shared how they felt on the day of the election results, which they described as “a harrowing day around the globe.” 

A University of Bristol spokesperson said: “We support the right to freedom of expression and to engage in lawful, peaceful protest and understand the deeply held concerns that many in our community feel about the situation in Israel, Gaza and Lebanon.”