This semester has been strange. On Jan. 20, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, then classes began the next day. Since, Trump has signed upwards of 81 executive orders undermining civil liberties such as Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), immigration, transgender rights and more. He, along with Elon Musk as his attack dog, has overhauled the federal government, terminating thousands of jobs.
Resistance has been limited to a few court-ordered halts. Trump’s far-right, authoritarian agenda appears poised to continue unchecked, causing feelings of resignation and hopelessness to dominate. Trump’s flurry of action — a drive towards right-wing illiberalism — provides no singular, defining event to protest. This lack of focus makes it difficult for the public to rally.
Historically, college protests have been pivotal in shaping public opinion. During the Vietnam War, college protests played a key role in turning the public against the conflict. During the Iraq War, student-led movements were at the forefront of the opposition. The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement brought police brutality to the forefront of national and global consciousness and shifted policy windows.
Recently, Claremont Student Workers Alliance (CSWA) led a successful campaign to rehire Adan Campos, a worker at Pitzer’s McConnell Dining Hall. Effective organizing can occur, even in the face of repression.
There’s been a notable lack of protest on national events, even as DEI programs face threats and vulnerable students are at risk. This must change. As college students, there is a permanent spotlight on our campus activity. Given our unique position of visibility and influence, we have a duty to voice opposition to destructive national policies and bring attention to injustices.
In the past, there existed a belief that public demonstration could sway government action. Today, this belief has gradually eroded. But protests are not just about their immediate results; they represent a refusal to accept the status quo.
In the past year, Pomona College arrested 20 student protestors who occupied Alexander Hall, suspended student protestors who occupied and vandalized Carnegie Hall and increased campus security presence and surveillance. The recent directive from Trump to cut funding to schools that “allow illegal protests” compounds the inherent risks of protest.
While federal repression and administrative pushback are real concerns, they cannot justify inaction. Protests have always been dangerous. When we commit to fighting for change, we recognize that the possibility of retribution is an unavoidable part of the process — not a reason to stay silent. Instead of backing away, we must build collective support systems to mitigate harm, as past movements have done.
If we want change, we must fight for it ourselves. Collective action is the power we have, the strength those in power would love if we would forget.
As basic as that sounds, one of the simplest and most effective ways we can resist authoritarianism is by building connections and being there for one another. The state will not protect us, so we must protect ourselves.
This isn’t meant to shame anyone. I, too, am guilty of the sin of inaction. I write this not to call out peers but to articulate this problem and highlight how we can, and must, do better. Trump’s policies are unpopular and contrary to our values. We ought to remind him, and ourselves, of that fact.
Given the danger of protest, those of us with privilege — documented students, white students, students who pay full tuition — must step up. Too often, the burden falls on those most vulnerable, perpetuating a cycle that further discourages protest.
So, what tangible action can we take?
We must organize. Mutual aid, advocacy, volunteering and creating safe spaces outside of the government are essential. It is not radical to imagine centers dedicated to education, abortion and contraceptive access and food distribution completely independent of the government. Nobody Fails at Scripps and the People’s Fund are just a few examples of what’s possible.
In the broader L.A. and Inland Empire areas, organizations such as the Mutual Aid LA Network, L.A. Food not Bombs and the Riverside Mutual Aid Network are doing vital work. Mutual Aid Hub is a great resource for finding ways to get involved. Building safe and reliable networks of support in our communities is essential.
This is not a manifesto. Rather, it is a necessary response to the lack of action across the 5Cs. I implore us all to disrupt more, to protest more. It will be challenging with the prospect of federal repression, administrative pushback and surveillance, but it must be done.
Alex Benach PO ’28 is from Washington D.C. and is that one friend who’s too woke.
Facebook Comments