‘Yotes Against Hate’ talk options following election

The election of Donald Trump as the next President of the United States has elicited a response of fear and anger from some USD students, leading to the creation of a group called “Yotes Against Hate”

The group met in the Center for Diversity & Community Monday night to discuss ways to educate other students on campus about discrimination. They also talked about ways they could benefit Vermillion and the resources available to students who might be
discriminated against.

This discrimination discussion stemmed from the Facebook group “Yotes Against Trump” that was created on Nov. 10 to get the word out about protesting President-elect Donald Trump. Posters were made for the event and a poll was created to see if students would rather protest or gather for a discussion.

Joshua Arens, a senior and Student Government Association senator, orchestrated the event and said students decided against an initial protest.

“When I originally formed (the group) I was upset about the election. That is why (the event) started out as ‘Yotes Against Trump.’ I was in the anger stage of grief,” Arens said. “We have to accept that Trump is our president and it doesn’t make any sense to be against him 24/7. We need to find ways to work with him and promoting tolerance on campus.”

Arens said that tolerance on campus can be seen through the “Safety Pin Brigade.” Safety pins have been worn by people since Trump was announced President-elect as a sign of someone safe to talk to for people dealing with discrimination and harassment. Arens also said the Safety Pin Brigade has received some criticism.

“Some people are afraid that (the safety pins) are a symbol for white people to make themselves feel better. I think that could be a problem but as long as these folks stay involved and do come to the upcoming protest training and the protest next week, then I think the safety pin can mean something else,” he said.  “It can mean action and not just you come to me, but we go to you. We will be there for you whenever you need it.”

“Yotes Against Hate” is planning a protest training event tonight at 9 p.m. in the CDC. The actual protest will be planned at the protest training. Arens said the protest will feature signs that say, “Love trumps hate.” There won’t be signs demeaning the President-elect.

College Democrat President Chelsea Gilbertson said getting involved to raise awareness for discrimination is important.

“I think from a political perspective, it should be we are not going to tolerate violence, we are not going to tolerate discrimination and (this has to be a) non-partisan kind of situation,” Gilbertson said.

Lamont Sellers, associate vice president for diversity at USD, said students who are experiencing discrimination have resources available to them.

“We have UPD, student rights and responsibilities office, and the Dean of Students’ Office,” Sellers said. “Those are our formal places to contact if there are incidences of any type of anything that happens with students, faculty and staff.”

According to students in at the meeting, ideas to bring awareness to discrimination include bathroom posters, encouraging professors & SGA to get involved, and possibly having Greek Life have a mandatory presentation on discrimination similar to the one they have each year on underage drinking.

Junior Logan Thomas said students shouldn’t be afraid to voice their concerns about the election.

“Reach out and find resources that you can use,” Thomas said. “Ask your friends, professors — you are not alone. I think it is very important to get involved with something so important in life.”