Pacific And Its Students Take A Stand | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

Pacific And Its Students Take A Stand

We are the future of our hope

7
Pacific And Its Students Take A Stand
Bing

As we all know, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th President on January 20th, and many people around the country had something to say about it. After the election results were announced, many colleges in the U.S. held protests in spite of the president-elect. I was one of those individuals that took part in what has been called the "Anti-Trump Rally" because I wanted to make a statement for myself, and to show my support for my friends and peers who have been affected by this election. Today, the Women's March took place in several major cities across the country to express women's concerns for their rights as Americans. What does all of this mean to us, and why should you care? I don't know about your school, but I know mine is taking steps to support the students who are speaking out for their rights and beliefs.

During the November protest at University of the Pacific, about 200 Pacific students, Delta college (the local community college), high school students, and community members marched together in a rally hosted by Pacific student organizations. This rally was an incredible moment for Pacific, as students finally decided to speak out from what is typically silent campus and let their voices be heard. During the march, there were Stocktonians that gave us inappropriate gestures and said horrible things in response to the Anti-Trump Rally, but students did not let the opposing voices speak louder than their chants. At one point, students stood in front of President Eibeck's office, prompting a response from her. She peeked out of her office and congratulated all that were standing before her, recognizing our freedom of speech. Even more exciting was the moment the local news covered the event to show that Pacific stands with the other university students who protested for the same causes. The news highlighted that it was a peaceful protest due to only positive chants that left out hateful speech.

More recently, on January 20th, Pacific students once again declared their beliefs in another march and sit-in at the De Rosa University Center around noon. The students shouted the same chants used in their November protest. Once again, Pacific students joined with other university students across the country in their protest against the policies set forth by our newly-sworn President Trump. President Eibeck recently sent out a university-wide email to all of the students stating that University of the Pacific will stand by their students, and will provide financial aid in other ways to students who fall under DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)-- which gave immigrant students the opportunity to obtain a work permit and attend college-- if the Trump administration were to repeal it. In her email, she stated that the university believes all of their immigrant students should be given equal opportunity to receive an education. She expressed her support with 600 university presidents in signing a petition urging the incoming administration to honor DACA. She also assured students that the university is a safe place for all people, and no one shall be detained by public safety based on immigrant status, nor shall the university condone discrimination of any kind. I'd like to believe many students were comforted by her response to the chaos of our current politics.

This is an important time in American history that will be taught to our children. It is very encouraging to know that our university president stands with the students in their concerns for equal opportunity to all that live in our great nation. While many fear the actions the Trump administration will take, we can stand together, whether you believe in Donald Trump or not. I am happy to know that my university supports my actions and beliefs as a millennial. It will be interesting to see how millennials react in four years' time, knowing that most millennials seem to be speaking out against President Trump and his administration. I urge you to watch CNN or CSPAN for coverage of the appointments so you can be educated about the people who will be creating policies for the years to come that will affect our quality of life. I am proud of my university and my peers for standing up for their rights and beliefs, so don't let your voice die-- be heard and fight for our freedoms. We must acknowledge that many people have been affected by the recent politics. I could not thank the Obama administration enough for the many great things they accomplished. While they weren't perfect, they brought hope to the people.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over
reference.com

To those who celebrate, you just spent an entire day cooking an elaborate meal with all of your favorite foods. You probably ate your body weight in pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes. What happens now? Oh yea, Christmas. It’s time to take out all of the decorations and Christmas themed things that have been sitting in the attic since last year; it’s time to make a reappearance. So, here are 10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

2721
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

1621
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

200883
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

21321
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments