Since Donald Trump’s election as president of the United States on November 8th, the public response has been astounding. Inside and out of the United States, the overwhelming majority of student activism has been in opposition of Trump’s election and proposed changes to the United States government. Within Canada, student response is largely in solidarity with the marginalized populations that Trump has attacked throughout his campaign.
On November 19th, a rally against Trump took place outside Toronto City Hall, on Queen Street. The event on Facebook, which had over 2500 people listed as attending, states the purpose of the event was to “stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters to the south who oppose the sexist, racist, misogynistic, xenophobic rhetoric set loose by Donald Trump.” The rally began at Nathan Phillips Square, followed by a march to Trump Tower. The event page states “all are welcome to join and peacefully participate.”
University of Toronto student, Natalie Cresswell attended Saturday’s rally because she “wanted to show that she disagrees with the hateful rhetoric Trump used in his campaign.” What is appealing about a large public protest is the power in the sheer numbers. This is especially relevant in a city as large as Toronto, where media coverage reaches broadly across the country.
Similarly, the large size and international impact of UofT makes it particularly relevant in catalyzing social change through student activism. There have been many examples of student activism at the university. Focusing on the recent events surrounding Professor Peterson’s opposition to Bill C-16, there is extensive student-led activism on both sides of the issue including petitions, protests, panels, and rallies. International attention to the issue has been garnered largely by student-based activism at UofT.
[pullquote align=”left” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]the large size and international impact of UofT makes it particularly relevant in catalyzing social change through student activism[/pullquote]
Cresswell asserts that “making posts on Facebook and discussing it with friends only reaches so far,” sharing a common student sentiment that recognizes the limits of social media exposure. Cresswell also identifies people “with the same views who feel isolated in their opinion” as potentially impacted by seeing the publicity of social activism.
Another UofT student, Hana Nikcevic, references “being aware of other students working to implement change” as a motivator for being involved in social activism among peers. This is especially true when contextualized to an issue as divisive as Trump’s presidency, which can seem particularly dire for women, people of colour, and LGBTQ individuals, among other groups. Finally, Nikcevic reflects on the significance of how “making activism and working to bring about social change seem both vital and accessible” positively influences a broader student motivation to be active global citizens.
