City on a Hill Press has been on campus since 1966. This paper has seen students come and go, administrations and presidents pass. Throughout its history, one theme has rang true: Student resistance has never wavered.
Since Donald Trump’s election in November, each news headline feels like the end of the world. All eyes are on D.C. as we await the next damning executive order. We become stunned with overwhelming feelings of defeat and fear.
This tactic of “shock and awe” is intentional. The phrase refers to a military tactic of displaying inordinate and merciless force to paralyze the enemy or, in this case, to advance policy and prevent resistance. Chaos and disorder are used to further the Trump administration’s goal: Dismantle and disorganize community efforts to resist and counter regressive decisions.
To our readers, we urge you to not fall into hopelessness. The potential fallout of these orders on our campus is frightening, but continuing to organize and to resist this authoritarian regime is crucial. We cannot wait for what comes next to respond — we must start now.
From tree sit-ins and building occupations, to hosting “Know Your Rights” workshops and town halls, students have not wavered. As student journalists, neither will we. City on a Hill Press wants to reaffirm our commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices in our community and serving all students on this campus. Our pages are dedicated to cutting through the noise of the Trump administration and arming our peers with sound knowledge against tyranny.
We will fight with you for a campus that protects diversity, equity and inclusion, for a state that supports its immigrants when our country won’t, and for a country held accountable for its promise of freedom and equal opportunity for all.
We are allowed to be angry and hurt, but we cannot stop there. Do not dwell in dread and anguish. Find power and resolve in your values and love for those around you.
With such terrifying and catastrophic laws being written into reality at such a rapid pace, change will only persevere if students of all backgrounds unite to fight for, and be, the change we want to see.
– City on a Hill Press Editorial Board
