Editorial
Our Power
By Editorial Staff
November 17, 2016
Tags editorial
Tuesday’s Our Power rally provided community members with an outlet to express disapproval and anger with the values President- elect Donald Trump represents, as well as solidarity with marginal- ized communities. This rally represented Hamilton’s participation in a nationwide demonstration that included at least 27 other colleges and universities throughout the United States. It was met with en- thusiasm and support by members of the Hamilton College, Utica College and Colgate University communities, accompanied by local residents who joined in the march as well. Still, while protests are vitally important in demonstrating discomfort, anger and support, they are inconsequential without further concrete action. Protests are not social events; they are intended to be a stepping stone for further political and social action. Within our community, we must not fail to take subsequent steps.
Peaceful protests and demonstrations are an important show of soli- darity for and with groups that have been institutionally marginal- ized. Although this reactive behavior might represent many students’ first participative act in any issue of social justice, we cannot allow it to be the last. Tuesday’s Our Power rally represents only one step in a never-ending march towards peace and equality for all. It is our turn to keep the motion going.
Last week’s Editorial urged students to donate time and money to the causes and organizations whose goals they believe are important. We want to reiterate this recommendation. Moreover, The Spectator urges proactivity in the political and electoral processes that make our republic strong. Find an issue or person who motivates you and act—before the results are set in stone.
Consider, for example, the following recently raised issue: Many students and faculty at Hamilton are working together in an attempt to secure our campus as a “Sanctuary Institution” in order to protect undocumented immigrants studying on the Hill. A petition will be sent around campus on Thursday afternoon to assess the community’s support for such a policy. Please voice your opinion.