This past Friday, Jan. 20, Donald Trump was inaugurated in Washington, D.C., as the 45th President of the United States. The following day, history was also made as one of the biggest peaceful protests in the world took place throughout the nation and across the globe. Students weighed in on this historic moment.
Photo provided by FOSTER SWARTZ
Foster Swartz, twelfth grade
What are your thoughts on the Women’s March?
“I deeply respect the individuals who came out and marched on Saturday, for peaceful protest is one of the most American forms of expression. That being said, I felt in part that the march attempted to incorporate too great a quantity of messages to be truly effective: I saw signs calling for impeachment, signs demanding abortion access, signs declaring Black Lives Matter, and even signs decrying the electoral college. Too many theses spoil an essay, and I worry that a surplus in mission statements may have clouded the efficacy of the march as a whole.”
How do you think this will affect the country?
“I think the Women’s March delivered the message to the Trump administration that he is on exceedingly thin ice with the citizens of his domain– that he must acknowledge the pain which statements, such as those recorded on tape in conversations with Billy Bush, inflicts on entire demographics of people. That being said, I believe that more than the march is necessary for the protesters to reach their goals. Work must be done at the local and state level to elect sympathetic officials in order to accomplish quantifiable progress in the protection of women’s rights.”
Does it have any impact on you today?
“The ramifications of the Women’s March should affect each American, each denizen of the globe. The message sent should warn politicians and leaders against infringing on the rights of women, should advise men to respect women as equals, and should empower women to believe. Whether the protest accomplished its goal, only time will tell. What is clear is that, together, we can speak to the world.”
Photo by CATE ALVARO
Arooj Khan, eleventh grade
What are your thoughts on the Women’s March?
“The march was probably one of the most empowering experiences of my entire life. The blocks and blocks of being in the National Mall wearing pink and holding signs for equality was breathtaking.
“Hopefully it will affect the country in a positive way, but honestly, I don’t know. The future is unpredictable at this point. I just hope the people who have negative views of minorities are willing to accept, respect and keep peace.”
“Being an American-Pakistani Muslim girl, it hit me hard. It really gave me strength to embrace myself and not let dirty looks or the news scare me from being me. After being in D.C. for two days, I realized I was the only brown person I have seen in hundreds of thousands. Walking around the District of Columbia, my friends started telling me I was getting weird looks from many individuals… When I wanted to put a scarf around my head for warmth, my classmates advised me not to, for the safety of myself. I took their advice. After the Women’s March, my views drastically changed. The days following, I embraced my inner-Pakistani and wore the scarf.”
Photo provided by JILLIAN PARK
Jillian Park, tenth grade
What are your thoughts on the Women’s March?
“I thought the Women’s March was a perfect example of America’s democracy. Although, being a Trump supporter, I felt that the march was less for women’s rights and more for women to be able to express their hatred toward Donald Trump. I think the march has shown our new president that the people are strong and they will fight for what they believe in. I am a woman and I have nothing against the Women’s March, but I feel that protests should have one central goal… I’d also like to add that just because I’m a Trump supporter doesn’t mean that I’m a bad person because a lot people seem to say that.”
Does it have any impact on you today?
“The march showed me that America has a lot of hate and unnecessary nervousness in their hearts. Most of what I saw were derogatory posters towards Donald Trump using inappropriate language that made me uncomfortable… The march was a very eye-opening experience… I can now say that I was part of history.”
Photo by HALEIGH BROWN
Gabriella Ispaso, tenth grade
What are your thoughts on the Women’s March?
“As a young woman I stand for women’s rights and I do believe that women should be treated equally and with respect. However I think that the march had more to do about this past election and who was elected rather than women’s rights as a whole.”
How do you think this will affect the country?
“I think it will affect our country by showing that we can come together when needed and speak our opinions.”
Does it have any impact on you today?
“Today it has not left an impact on my life very much, but I think that the turnout for the march was so great across the nation that it will affect us all in the future.”
Photo by NATHALIE BENCIE
Jennifer Burke, tenth grade
What are your thoughts on the Women’s March?
“I wouldn’t have personally been at the March because I see little to it; the original purpose was to support women’s rights but instead it turned into this whole protest against the president. It’s not that I support the offensive comments [President Donald Trump] has said towards women, but he’s already president, and as of right now, we need to learn to work with that.”
How do you think this will affect the country?
“I hope the Women’s March has a positive effect on the way we portray a woman and her rights. But am afraid of future violence escalating because of dispute, and I hope the country as a whole can avoid and overcome that.”
Does it have any impact on you today?
“Not entirely, but I will admit it’s empowering to see so many people come together for the same purpose.”
Photo by HALEIGH BROWN
Natalie Taylor, ninth grade
What are your thoughts on the Women’s March?
“I think it has a big impact and that it’s great that so many places around the world had [a march] similar to the one I attended in Washington D.C. You didn’t see merely 20 people protesting. You saw nearly millions of young women, elderly women, men of all ages and children come together for the same thing, and I found that really interesting and touching.”
How do you think this will affect the country?
“I find that it has an impact in making people more aware and politicians more aware of what the people want.”
Does it have any impact on you today?
“I was so glad I went, especially since I believe in everything they were supporting. It doesn’t really have a direct impact on me, but it was very admirable that so many people got together to support something so important.”
Story by CATE ALVARO, NATHALIE BENCIE and HALEIGH BROWN