In the wake of the 2016 Election, major cities around the country have erupted in protest. From Los Angeles to Pittsburg, from New York City to Austin, Texas, thousands have people have flocked to the streets to protest for the rights and safety of people that feel marginalized and unrepresented in the coming Trump presidency. The latest to take place was in on our very own campus here at Purdue University.

On Wednesday afternoon, Purdue's campus echoed with the voices of students protesting the president-elect. Signs that read "Not My President" and "Free Speech is not equal to Hate Speech" were carried by Purdue University students of all backgrounds. Students walked through campus, ending on the steps of Hovde Hall to rally. The protest was met with Trump supporters walking alongside and yelling their own rhetoric in response.

"It was a space of healing and love after a week of grieving and fear," says Purdue University student, Jesse Bohlin.

Jesse recounted that the protest addressed all identities that felt victimized in the election and that the protest consisted of more than just yelling. There were songs, poem, dances, and various other performances. Jesse stressed that the main points were of solidarity and taking the high road.

Jesse says, "When the rally ended, it was expressed that when they go low, we go high. That reacting in hate would make us just as bad as the things we were protesting."

Student Rachel Baker says, "A common theme throughout many of these speeches was the point that love, acceptance, and equality will prevail."

She attended the rally and recounts seeing over 100 students, as well as news reporters and Trump supporters. Baker stresses that regardless of what happened in this election, it is "imperative that we did not sink to the level of our oppressors."

At a large institution like Purdue, in a red state, many of the diverse students on campus, students of color, members of the LGBTG+ community, Muslim students, immigrant students fear that their rights will not be represented and that their safety is not guaranteed. Being able to speak and protest freely on a college campus like this is an opportunity these students are taking advantage of while they still can.

Many of the other protests have been happening in liberal cities around the countries. For this to happen in a state that voted for Trump really speaks volumes of the diversity in college towns. Protests and rallies like this give a voice to marginalized students on campus, but also communities in the area that feel ostracized. The protest does more than just celebrate diversity at Purdue but also celebrates and protects diversity in Indiana and the midwest, and can give other marginalized communities in areas like this hope for their own futures.

"When these minorities stand together for the betterment of the larger Purdue community, who knows what changes we’ll be able to make." - Rachel Baker