Donald Trump came to Lenoir-Rhyne University on March 14, 2016. I am a junior now at this university and this impacted my school and community immensely. I found out that Trump was coming to Lenoir-Rhyne from another student. I was messaged on social media about his coming, so at this point it was just a rumor. We were not sure if he was actually coming or not. A statement was then released by Trump's campaign that he was planning on coming to the university. Finally Lenoir-Rhyne released a statement that Trump was coming to speak at our school.
Now first let me explain that I am not a supporter of Trump and why I am not. As a follower of Christ, I do not believe that Trump embodies any of what Christ asks us to do as His followers. This man has made fun of a disabled reporter, told his supporters that if they got into a fight or violent act at his rallies he would pay their legal fees, and his foreign policy includes just bombing the trouble area. He brings with him an atmosphere of hate and violence. "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God." 1 John 4:7. Trump does not embody love so how can a follower of Christ support someone who does not love?
I felt as if my home was being invaded by someone who was not going to benefit my home or my community in anyway. A protest group was started because we did not believe that our home should be used for this. This was designed to be a peaceful protest. I was invited to participate in this protest and I wanted to very badly, but I was scared. I have seen videos of peaceful protesters at a Trump rally and then I have seen Trump supporters turn violent on these protesters for just peacefully saying that they do not support what Trump stands for. I am a new parent and I could not afford to have anything happen at the protest where I would not be able to take care of my son.
One of my close friends started a petition so this was the way that I voiced my opinions on Trump coming to our school, along with social media and a poem I wrote and read at a public poetry reading on campus. I heard from many people who were on campus that day and who did participate in the protest. The event was called a success, except for when my friends had to stand with their arms linked together between protesters and supporters so that it would not take a turn for the worst. Even then, some violence still took place. It was hard to watch my home go through this and be taken over for a period of time by someone who facilitates hate and violence. Lenoir-Rhyne was a place where I found love and peace, so for Trump to come and bring the complete opposite of what I loved about that place was painful. The only thing that is left for us to do is to try to repair the hurt that was done in our community. I believe our community is stronger than Trump, I believe my school is stronger than Trump, and above all, I know that love is stronger than Trump.
