QUEENS, N.Y. (February 6, 2017) – Students gathered in front of D’Angelo Center at the St. John’s University to march in protest of the ban. Juniors Morgan Popek and Katyi Leeman organized the march to create a space for students to share their voices.

President of St. John's Conrado “Bobby” Gempesaw issued a statement in response to the ban, stating that it did not represent St. John’s values. Leeman agreed with Gempesaw’s statements but still wanted to show solidary.

Leeman said “As a community, we can stand together and people feel supported. It’s not good enough, the thought needs to not exist.”

Students who came to march expressed their views on the executive order. They shared their belief that St. John’s is a diverse and united school that will not discriminate against anyone.

Jess Probst said, “This is such a diverse school and we should stand up together.”

Students marched a route around the Queen’s campus chanting various statements. One of those chants was “Show them what community looks like. This is what community looks like.” Popek who also organized the march had the goal to create a space for those to be a part of something bigger.

Prior to the start of the march various speakers spoke about their views on the executive order. The speakers ranged from the organizers themselves to students of various campus organization impacted by the executive order.

Johnny Wiley, a freshman in St. John’s College was one of the many talented speakers at the march. Wiley said “It is our time to grab that torch and get running with it. There is too much at stake. America is at stake.”

The President and the Vice President of the Muslim Student Association spoke about their experience with discrimination. Their fathers lived in Bosnia prior to the 1992 ethnic cleansing. “If it was not for America’s open arms, my cousin would not be here today.”

The march was an expression of frustration with the Trump administration. Ninth circuit judges temporarily lifted the immigration ban the day of the march.