In current news, the silent protests that many NFL athletes have chosen to partake in the past few weeks have been heavily commented on. Half of these responses have been the validation that these men have the right to peacefully protest. However, others have taken a more patriotic stance, refuting the athlete’s protests and denying that this is an expression of their First Amendment rights. Fellow athletes, actors, reality stars and the men and women that make up our military, have taken to social media to express their solidarity with the athletes. Their purpose isn’t to disrespect the country and the flag, but to raise awareness of the social injustice against people of color that continues to take place in our country that has heightened since the election of President Trump.
Being an African American and attending a predominantly white institution like Clemson, this particular situation affects me. It also seems to affect the 13 Senators that chose to sit during the Pledge of Allegiance at the September 25, 2017 Clemson University Student Government meeting. After interviewing Aliyah Simmons, one of the 13 Clemson University senators that sat, a female perspective was obtained and I was able to see how this circumstance is affecting her day-to-day life on-campus.
Q: How does being an African American female impact your day-to-day life on a predominately white campus?
A: As a black female, I’m a double minority and that can be very obvious on this campus. As a STEM major, I’m usually the only African American in the classroom. These sorts of things don’t necessarily affect the way that I learn, but it does affect the way that I feel in the classroom. Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinions, but sometimes it can feel like I’m the only one that shares my opinions about certain issues. This makes it very difficult to make friends that have things in common with you.
Q: Do you think the backlash that was received from you guys sitting was due to race or the ideology that you guys were disrespecting the flag and country?
A: I believe the backlash was because of both reasons. I think most are trying to change the narrative by saying that we’re disrespecting the flag but they really just don’t accept the fact that we’re fighting against the majority.
Q: How do you think your actions will impact the student government and the campus as a whole?
A: I believe our actions will bring more awareness to a campus that can be very ignorant at times. As a senator, I’m supposed to be a voice for the student body. I represent those who are underrepresented and who want to make a change but don’t know how.
America was built on the foundation of liberty and justice for all. When those foundations were established, older white men governed America. Therefore, that is whom the laws pertained to. However, as America continues to become a melting pot of different cultures, ideas and people, those laws need to benefit all of its citizens. As a campus and country, we need to make it easier for people to speak out about their beliefs without the fear of criticism. We need to begin building a community where everyone feels appreciated and heard.