UNC student ‘walk out’ highlights the tragedies of Trump’s victory
‘We will not be silenced’
In response to Trump being elected as president, UNC students called for a “NO Trump: campus walk out” yesterday at 2pm in front of South Building.
Campus Y co-presidents, Lauren Eaves and Regan Buchanan, organized the event to create a safe space for students to address the election. Students of all backgrounds, sexual orientations and genders gathered to protest.
Prior to the general public’s arrival, students wrote phrases such as, “Donald Trump is a rapist,” “AmeriKKKa hates minorities,” “We will not be silenced,” and “AmeriKKKa has elected a racist,” in chalk on the bricks in front of the building.
“AmeriKKKa has elected a racist” is written in chalk outside the South Building. Photo by Jessica Allen // The Tab
“This is a public space, we are offering up the space for folks to speak out and air their grievances,” Mitch, a UNC student, said to the crowd. Mitch let the crowd know that there were people in the audience with blue tape around their arms, signifying their ability to listen to anyone in need.
Hearing the stories of fellow students and their fear for their own safety was not only upsetting, but inspiring to many listeners.
A black muslim student shares her story in front of the crowd of protestors. Photo by Jessica Allen // The Tab
One UNC student discussed the fact that certain minorities are more oppressed than others: “I’m so ashamed as an Asian American that we just sat in our comfort and didn’t say anything. As Asian Americans we have a lot of privilege that other minorities don’t — we are listened to more than other minorities are!”
The floor was open to students of all backgrounds, including white students. “How could this affect me — a white woman in the south? I have a gay brother and he just got married. His marriage is now jeopardized. I have best friends who are hispanic and black. I have a boyfriend whose family is from Syria.”
A UNC student watches in despair as others speak about oppression and blatant racism in America. Photo by Jessica Allen // The Tab
A student of Colombian descent told the audience about her texting conversation with her father during the election– “Tengo miedo, Te amo” or “I’m scared, I love you.”