Donald Trump: Now What?
Monday, November 14, 2016
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Fear of division sparks unity BAILEY BRAMMER Staff Writer
This evening in the Bobo Spiritual Life Center, a public deliberation forum will be held at 5:30 p.m. for students to gather and address American politics and other post-election topics. Along with organizing these events, Baylor has been focused upon creating a specific time and place for students to process the meaning of the election, as well as their fears and thoughts. In the past, these spaces have been called “Frankly Speaking,” but this name may change, according to Dr. Elizabeth Palacios, dean for student development. “We just want to make sure all of our students feel valued, supported and safe,” Palacios said. “We want to make sure that all students understand that we have the responsibility to uplift each other and not be hostile to each other.” Palacios said these spaces do not hold the purpose of ending students’ protests, but rather aim at promoting discussion and encouragement among students. “If we only gave opportunities to have your own view, that’s one thing, but if we get to learn from each other and support each other, that’s taking it a step further,” Palacios said. “This is not to halt rallies and protests; this is to get to a deeper level of understanding and support.” For students who do not wish to attend these gatherings or feel unable to speak on their feelings in a group setting, Dr. Jim Marsh, director of counseling services, encourages students to come to the Counseling Center. “We’re here for students, and they can walk in and talk to somebody, Monday through Friday,” Marsh said. While Baylor has provided various opportunities for students to express and debate their views, Ritter believes that taking part in these activities does not come without a bit of bravery.
In light of President-elect Donald Trump’s win on Tuesday Nov. 8, many minority groups have expressed fears based on Trump’s prior comments about their races, genders and sexual orientations. “My initial reaction [when Trump was elected] was, ‘Oh no, I’m going to lose my rights,’” said Cypress freshman Anna Conner, a member of the LGBTQ community. “There’s been so much hate, and even if he does become more moderate, that hate has already taken effect.” At Baylor University on Wednesday, Nov. 9, a group of students gathered at Fountain Mall to protest the election’s results and voice their concerns. Some of the students who opposed Trump attended the gathering in response to an incident that occurred earlier that day in which Dallas sophomore Natasha Nkhama was reportedly pushed off the sidewalk on her way to class and called a racial slur. Lewisville senior Jasmine Breaux was informed of the incident by multiple friends and believes that protection and compassion must be given to anyone who is fearful as a result of the election. “I’m disappointed [that Trump was elected] just because of some of the things he’s said in the past toward minority groups,” Breaux said. “I believe in loving everyone, regardless of race or religion or sexual orientation or whatever. We need to give support to those who feel hurt by this. Protests such as this have been occurring in the last week on college campuses across the country, not just at Baylor. Sophomore Nathan Mansur is a student at University of California — San Diego, and took part in a walk on Wednesday night consisting of more than 1,000 others. “I was just in awe over how many people took part in the protest,” Mansur said over the phone. “There is a lingering fear here of what a Trump presidency can do. But, when I saw fear on students’ faces, I also saw that love and compassion emerged from others.” Following the election, Baylor University has been working to dedicate time and resources for its students to express their doubts and opinions. The morning after the election, a studentled prayer session was held in the Bobo Spiritual Life Center, and the following afternoon, a This Matters forum was held to address the results of the election. Dr. Joshua Ritter, Assistant Director for Formation and Baylor Student Ministry (BSM), believes that “open and compassionate dialogue” along with showing support for the Baylor community will be key in the next few months. “I believe that Jesus calls us to love our neighbor by getting to know our neighbor through acts of humility, generosity and hospitality,” Ritter said. “We are fortunate that Baylor has several Jessica Hubble | Photographer chapels across campus that are always available as spaces where Students stand by classmate Natasha Nkhama (third from right). students can come together and pray and discuss.”
“I hope that students will seek solace in these spaces in the coming weeks, but they are more than safe spaces – they are brave spaces,” Ritter said. “Even though these spaces are safe, they still require courage, and courage is sometimes scary. But, through the risk of courage, we can all learn to hope and to love together.”
Jessica Hubble | Photographer
Baylor students share their thoughts at Fountain Mall protest.
Jessica Hubble | Photographer
Trump supporter speaks his mind at Baylor anti-Trump protest.