University of Glasgow students protest Trump election win
By Holly Boland and Ben Wilson
Image of the protest at University of Glasgow by Holly Boland
Students in Glasgow invited the public to protest against the policies of the Trump administration amid fears of a rise in transphobia and racism following his re-election as US President.
Trump won the majority vote on 5 November, although not everyone is pleased with the result. With a citywide outcry over the election results, protests and marches have appeared in Glasgow.
Students at the University of Glasgow let their voices be heard on 7 November as they gathered outside the university library carrying placards saying, “no to racism, no to Trump”. Protesters were rallying against Trump’s right-wing stance and giving out information regarding the effect his rules and regulations will have on the rest of the world and not just the US.
Image of sign at the protest by Holly Boland
During the protest a multitude of students gathered alongside the public to share their thoughts on these hot topics.
Niamh O’Neill, an 18-year-old student at University of Glasgow believes Trump is “dangerous”.
She said: “He has a lot of power and influence on the entire world. He is dangerous and has no morals. I believe that exterior factors helped him out with his win, like Elon Musk influencing the public to vote for him.”
She added that she now feels unsafe going to America.
She said: “The danger of Trump having power over troops is alarming. He will not hold back on the Gaza Strip and I’m worried.”
One of the organisers of the protest, Olive Smith a 20-year-old from Finnieston, Glasgow, has said: “Trump is going to continue funding Israel in their conflict with Gaza. America is unstable and now it will lack confidence.
“I believe things such as racism and transphobia will increase now that he has won.”
Anisha Ogilvie, a student from University of Glasgow, said: “This will have a domino effect on the rest of the world because if our government is influenced by Donald Trump, his views will be pushed to the forefront and may cause similar issues for us in the long run.
“I am going to New York to see my family and they are terrified for their lives as American citizens. My cousin is a lesbian and newly married and feels scared for their future.”