Syracuse University reacts to election results by organizing peaceful protests

Most of the Syracuse University campus was up until the wee hours of Wednesday morning waiting for the results of the 2016 Presidential Election, only to be disappointed to discover that despite the fact that the popular vote was won by Clinton, Trump had won the election. Among those who waited in anticipation for the media to announce the result was junior Linguistics major Kiara Scott.

“I thought I would be an absolute wreck. I thought I would fear for my life even more than I did after the Pulse shooting, an event which still shakes my core to this day,” Kiara told The Tab. “But honestly the only thing I was when I heard the results, was angry. I’m angry that someone has the audacity to invalidate my gender, my blackness, and my queerness under a vote for a fucking gorilla. I’m angry that half my country would rather I be a miserable, suicidal victim of conversion therapy than married to a woman who lights up my world.”

Kiara says she won’t back down after hearing the results of the election. “I’ve never been more moved to act and speak up and take up as much space as possible. My existence has never been so rebellious and I’m ready to start nothing short of a revolution.”

Many other students feel this way. Since Tuesday night, various protests and vigils have been organized on Syracuse University’s main campus including the Promenade Sit-In, Pussy Grabs Back, and a Silent Protest on the quad. Incredibly moving images and videos have surfaced on social media of SU students speaking out against Trump’s America. Just this morning, DPS responded to the vandalization of a sidewalk in the quad that was spray painted with “Fuck Trump.” The graffiti was washed away shortly after.

Syracuse University students protest at Pussy Grabs Back

A silent protest on the quad will occur on Tuesday at 11am until 3pm. Titled “-Our Future POTUS,” the protest will feature some of the degrading quotes from the recent President-Elect. Protesters will be provided with posters but are also encouraged to bring their own. Students and faculty may stop by between classes or stay for the entire protest. More information about the event can be found here.

In addition to this, a Safe Space event will be held on Friday from 12pm until 1:30pm in Eggers 010. If the room fills up, the event will move to outside of Hendrick’s Chapel. Interested students, faculty, staff, and community members may email [email protected] with questions regarding the event and to RSVP.

This election has many implications for this country. It has threatened the wellbeing and safety of the LGBTQ+ community, POC, immigrants, Muslims, and women. It has taught little girls that it isn’t enough to be prepared and qualified as hell. It has encouraged intolerance and violence towards minorities. It has validated rape culture and it has normalized locker room talk. But despite these things that make us lose hope, we need to be angry and we need to defend the rights of our citizens. Though we have differences in gender, race, religion, sexuality, political affiliation, and socioeconomic status, we are all human. As we go forward, remember that we all live, breathe, and die progress because of this one guaranteed shared quality.

Do good.

@kaitlynmenegio