UCSC students say they are protesting with a purpose
As anti-Donald Trump protests continue in cities across the country, including on the Central Coast. Some are asking, “What’s the point?” Donald Trump is going to be president.
Students at UC Santa Cruz said rallies give them the opportunity to express their disbelief and frustration. More importantly, they want to support those whose lives could change drastically starting January.
“I’m white, I’m a male, I don’t have a lot to lose,” said first-year student Dylan Fabris. But he still joined thousands of others to protest after Trump was elected Tuesday night.
Fabris said he was there to support his friends.
“They are not sure if their parents, their grandparents are going to be able to stay in the country. They are not sure if they are going to be able to finish college because they are afraid what Donald Trump and his supporters are going to try and pass in the next few years,” Fabris said.
The student protestors know they can’t change what happened.
“I mean there is nothing we can do about the presidency, but I do feel as if the protests are really important just for us for the minorities to stand together and know that we have each other’s backs,” said Vanessa de la Torre, who is majoring in political science.
“In order to have change, we have to be the change. And these protest are just the beginning,” senior Andrea Liebhaber said.
And the election conversations continue in their classrooms as well.
“We did have one class where we talked about what the good news was. And it was basically that it’s public knowledge now. Everyone has a reality check,” Liebhaber said.
While there may be some uncertainties about Trump’s presidency, the students hope, at the very least, it gets people’s attention.
“If anything, these protests invigorates fellow young people, like myself and even older people, who might not be politically involved to actually look at politics and realize the effect voting has on our country,” Fabris said.
The election results are setting in slowly for some. Many are already counting down to 2020.
