The past few weeks have brought mixed reactions to the new presidential executive orders, with which some are calling for protest.
There have been 45 executive orders passed as of Feb. 3, according to the Federal Register’s website. Enforcing the Hyde Amendment, declassifying assassination records, including John F. Kennedy and more border security, are among the orders signed.
The United States also withdrew from being a part of the World Health Organization last month after the inauguration.
In a forum on Reddit, users called for protests in each state’s capital on Feb. 5. The forum was created on Jan. 25, and has since gained over 53,000 members.
“This isn’t coming from some big organization or outside group—it’s people like you, in every state, stepping up and making it happen,” One user wrote. “Each event is being organized by passionate individuals in their own communities—people who see what’s happening and refuse to sit back. They’re handling local logistics, coordinating with others in their state, and making sure the protest reflects the needs of the people actually living there.”
The specific issues of the protest include equality, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, climate change, public health and safety and gun violence according to Newsweek.
While the flyers started on Reddit, it made traction through several social media posts including Instagram stories from locals in Big Rapids.
Digital animation and game design senior Livia Konkle shared how she felt social media impacted society.
“I just think we aren’t able to get the information out fast enough for it to be tricky,” Konkle said. “It has worked in the past, but they’re absolutely censoring us, and we no longer know how to spread a mask word without online or social media, which is the problem.”
In addition to the traction that the forum has picked up in Michigan, there are users from multiple states who have planned to protest within their own capital. One user even went as far as to create two different poster types for each of the states including the dates, locations and times that the protests are supposed to occur at.
Those who wanted to protest were also encouraged to wear specific colors and some users even posted specific guidelines based on other protests they had gone to.
“Non-violence is essential for public opinion and appearance,” One user wrote. “Where white t-shirts and carry American flags. Hold up signs that make a powerful statement for the country and rest of the world to see, preferably nothing lude or violent. Absolutely do not bring alcohol or drink alcohol beforehand.”
The forum was also filled with lots of discussion about ways that people could protect themselves from being identified, as well as things protestors should be aware of, including wearing gas masks.
Konkle commented on how the fashion statements being addressed on the site were similar to past events in history.
“I know that throughout history, wearing certain colors or doing something certain has been a sign of solidarity,” Konkle said. “Like I only recently learned that women would wear red lipstick to show solidarity together, Konkle also expressed her worries about what was going to happen with some of the new laws that are in effect, and is curious about what will happen over the next month.
As more decisions are made, bills are signed and things are changed by President Donald Trump, the Torch will continue to cover how it affects Ferris students, staff, faculty and the community.