Students rally in political protest

By Diane Hettrick
Photos by Stephen H. Robinson

Students from Shorecrest, Ingraham, and Shorewood rallied Friday in Shoreline in a political protest against the policies of the newly elected U.S. president.

Ingraham students from north Seattle
march up Aurora to join Shoreline students

Around two hundred students left their classes at lunch time and marched to a gathering place at the Blue Bridge across 155th at Aurora.

Signs expressed their concerns: "Keep money out of politics" "Climate change" "My body My choice", "Keep Fascists out of USA" "Love Trumps Hate" and perhaps what could be called the theme of the rally "We have a voice."

A group from Shorewood waiting for the rally

Marchers were orderly, staying on the sidewalk, waiting for crossing lights. The mood was energetic and impassioned but sober and serious as speakers addressed the crowd.

Motorists honked their support.

Shorecrest students start to arrive

Shorecrest student organizer Ray Mitchell said that organizing a political protest like this isn't easy, but it is achievable, even by high school kids.

Ray said, "We have to stand strong in solidarity with each other to make it through the next four years. A lot of people right now feel like politics is 'too depressing' and that none of it matters, and that is the last thing they should be thinking. Now is the time for action to be taken."

The crowd listens attentively to the speakers, who were standing on the bridge above them.

Shoreline Mayor Chris Roberts greets Roberto Saldana,
current president of Shorecrest's Latino Club. 

Shoreline Mayor Chris Roberts was one of the speakers.

We are a community that respects the Constitution and the bill of rights. We believe in the freedom of speech, the freedom to assemble, the freedom of conscience, and the freedom of the press. These are the hallmarks of a free and democratic society.  

We will not compromise on these core values that we share. We will not tolerate erosions to our fundamental freedoms. We will not tolerate divisions based on gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ability, or religion.

We will continue to use our voice and support the voiceless.

Students protestors allow pedestrian to cross first
as they wait at the light

Roberts was followed by speakers from groups who fear their rights are threatened by the new presidency.

Not all residents thought it was appropriate for students to rally, nor agreed with their viewpoints.