Students protest in front of the Rotunda
‘I don’t know if I feel safe coming back in the spring’
On 1 pm Friday, a group of around 50 UVA students gathered on the steps of the Rotunda to openly protest the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States as well as how the University is handling students’ responses.
Students took turns using a megaphone to share their concerns for how, as many were members of minority groups, his presidency will affect their lives and safety. They also sang songs, chanted and clapped in solidarity.
One student who identified herself as Erica said she has been raped, assaulted and “continually harassed” by men her whole life, and does not see how that will change under this administration.
Another student, who said he faces discriminatory remarks regarding his sexuality, feels unsafe living in a dorm vandalized with a homophobic slur.
A student spoke about University Police and the University’s funding. She said, “I am tired of funding racist police. Police are supposed to be people you call when shit happens. No more of our tuition dollars should go to the people who create the hostile environment to make us feel unsafe at our university.”
A sign that read “protect our workers” was held in front of the protest in solidarity with the Resident Advisors who have recently been subject to racist and homophobic remarks on grounds.
A student spoke out on behalf of these RAs. She said how the university responded to an act of violence towards an RA by sending out an email. She did not feel the administration was doing enough, especially for a paid employee of the University. “They have done absolutely nothing. We need accountability from the University immediately.”
One student said, “What will UVA do? What will Teresa Sullivan do other than send an email? What will they do to ensure that our students and workers are safe?”
They felt services like CAPS, that are mentioned as resources in emails, are underfunded and ineffective.
By the end of the protest, it was announced that “Teresa Sullivan has agreed to a meeting in the Newcomb Ballroom at 4pm with us. It took all of this to get her attention.” The students then marched around the Lawn.