Students protest Donald Trump’s victory by marching in downtown San Diego and holding signs. Photo by Sergio Esparza
SAN DIEGO – Protests erupted in downtown San Diego the day after Donald Trump was elected President of the United States, leading to 18 arrests by police in riot gear. There were no reports of violence by any of the hundreds of protestors or police. SWC ASO leaders said they are planning a campus rally on Nov. 17 at 4:30 p.m.
Protesters chanted “Power to the people,” “Not my president,” and “Fuck Donald Trump” as they gathered around Horton Plaza and made their way toward Fifth Ave.
San Diego Police officers trailed and attempted to disperse the protesters at 11th Ave. and C St., where the first altercations between protesters and officers occurred.
Southwestern College students, faculty and administrators have expressed shock and anxiety over the election of Trump. Trustee Humberto Peraza said at Golden Hall on election night that this was an awful presidential election year full of mean-spirited, hateful rhetoric, threats of violence and pandering to base instincts.
“I’m shocked and horrified,” he said. “I’m a little scared for the future of my kids and me. There are a lot of concerns over where our democracy is. I’m disappointed, to say the least.”
California Assembly Member Dr. Shirley Weber said it is important for millennials to get their voice heard by voting in larger numbers.
“This is their future,” she said. “I’m at an age where Trump’s administration may have some direct impact on my life, but it will set the tone for millennials for generations to come. Millennials need to think very carefully about their role in voting. My generation fought to get to vote. My parents fought to get to vote. We treasure the vote. I want millennials to feel the same way and understand just how significant voting is for their generation.”
ASO President Mona Dibas said she and other SWC Muslim students are afraid of what Trump’s administration will bring forward.
“(The day after the election) was a really hard day for myself and for several of my friends,” she said. “I couldn’t sit in a class and pretend that everything was going to be normal. I couldn’t look at people and continue to smile, knowing that our president is a bigot.”