On Wednesday, Donald Trump was elected the 47th President of the United States. This heralds Trump’s second non-consecutive term in office after he refused to certify the results of the 2020 election.
Trump is leading America into a new era of GOP governance and renewed threats to democracy.
Harris’ defeat has revived the fear and disillusionment many were feeling before Biden dropped out of the election, feelings that have their roots in 2016 when Trump was first elected.
Now, amid the fears surrounding Trump’s victory, there’s uncertainty and anxiety. Whether the country can withstand the divisiveness of another Trump administration begs more questions than it gives answers.
The Beacon Editorial Board stands with democracy, truth, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, the dignity and protection of immigrants, equal access to education, climate justice, freedom of the press, religious freedom, racial justice and the right to protest.
We stand against fascism, fear-mongering, restrictions on bodily autonomy, homophobic, transphobic, xenophobic, racist and ableist policies, tax cuts for the rich, voter suppression, censorship, mass deportations and the destruction of our planet — all of which Trump has promised.
It’s troubling to imagine what the next four years will look like. We ourselves are a staff made up of women, children of immigrants, queer-identifying individuals, Latinos, Asian Americans and survivors of sexual assault.
We feel your anger, betrayal and sadness, but we must move forward with hope. We did it once, and we can do it again.
The reality is that change doesn’t stop at the ballot box; it’s continuous. Justice is a practice, a way of life, and it starts with getting involved with your community here at the University of Portland.
The progress you see today at UP came from students who defied the status quo, asked questions and demanded answers, held the powerful accountable and didn’t let their dejection dim their light.
Whether it be a homophobic priest living on campus, a lack of accessibility on campus or institutional racism, our community has found a way to persevere — historically on the backs of the most marginalized. We have to be honest: The fight for justice shouldn’t fall on a select few. It’s a responsibility we hold collectively.
We urge you to turn your despair into action. Start by voicing your opinions. Engage in the community here. Demand change from your representatives.
Not just for the next four years of Trump’s presidency, but for as long as the world is less than what we will accept.
Have something to say about this? We are dedicated to publishing a variety of viewpoints, and we’d like to hear from you. Voice your opinion in The Beacon.
