By Carson Kipp

Unlike previous years, this election cycle has been a particularly unpopular one. Voters, both Republican and Democrat, believe that they have been forced to choose from a pool of seemingly unqualified presidential candidates. However, as we neared election day, differences between the two groups could not seem greater and rather than being a time for Americans to express their democratic ideals, it has been a foul and divisive experience. For some people, the results of the election has affected them far more than others and reactions have presented themselves accordingly. Members of multiple movements adversely affected have taken to the streets in anti-Trump protests.

These protests have taken the country by storm with population centers such as Portland, Oregon and New York City being hit the hardest. The most avid protesters are those who feel Trump’s election is infringing upon not only their, but other citizens’ civil liberties and diverse values. These people include members of LGBT community, Muslim and Hispanic Americans, Black Lives Matter and civil rights supporters. One concern of Muslim Americans is that Trump’s anti-Muslim campaign will serve as a “license for violence” towards Muslims. With Anti-Muslim hate crimes already at a record high, some, such as Yasir Qadhi, an Imam at a mosque in Memphis, Tennessee as well as influential Muslim man with over a million followers on social media, genuinely fears for his family’s life. Qahdi told foreignpolicy.com “I’m genuinely scared for my wife, who wears a hijab. I told her don’t go out shopping at night alone. I told my kids as well just be careful.”  

For the most part, these protests have been peaceful demonstrations, however, in some cases like Portland, Oregon police have had to use tear gas to keep protests under control. These protests have predominantly been among young adults and college students, and WLC is no exception. With talk of peaceful demonstrations taking place on the football field November 11 it shows that the movement has spread all throughout America. Students planned to gather and share some of the grievances they experienced the election

This election has driven a stake through the American identity and has deepened some of the cracks in the ideals of equality our country is founded upon. Whether you support the movement or the Trump administration, the effects of this election are felt by all. As the events roll out we can only hope that the clashes we see everyday are resolved for the better of our nation.