The US was founded because people didn’t agree with those in power, and 250 years later, Americans are still using their voices.
On March 28, there was a No Kings Day protest nationwide, which is a set of anti-Trump and anti-ICE protests that have occurred throughout the country two other times in the last six months.
“I [attended] all three of the No Kings protests,” senior Ela Kays said. “I feel like, just in general, in my opinion, some of the policies of ICE are kind of separating people, and I feel like protests [are] the opposite of that.”
“I think [the protests] are good,” senior CJ Stites said, “because I feel like everyone has their own rights and people should be able to speak who they are and not be criticized.”
While some support these protests and their message, others find these protests misguided.
“I don’t support [the No Kings protests] at all,” sophomore Rachel Stevens said. “In my opinion, Trump isn’t a dictator or a king. He just wants to make our country better, just like every other president.”
“I feel like we should get rid of people who are illegal,” junior Hunter Neff said, “I feel like stuff is getting handled well.”
On March 28, about 8 million Americans took part in the No Kings Day protests, which is about 2.6% of the population, according to American Progress. That’s only one percent away from the 3.5% needed to “make change”, according to The Guardian.
“I think it’s like a snowball effect,” Stites said, “like, [the protest] gets bigger… and then it becomes more effective.”
“I think protests make people feel effective,” Stevens said, “but the way I see it, it really doesn’t accomplish anything unless you have some sort of position in the White House.”
However, in a time when almost everyone has a phone, social media can play a huge role in how protests are viewed.
“I think social media [is good], depending on whether it’s a verified website or not,” Neff said. “[But] you need to give different evidence as in, like, showing both sides of the story.”
“All news outlets already… tell what they want people to see regardless,” Kays said, “So if there is a new source that doesn’t like protests or there was a violent one, they’ll skew that all protests are bad.”
Younger generations often protest more, with nearly one-third of Gen Z (32%) regularly engaging in social justice work or activism, compared to Millennials at 24%, according to United Way.
“I think there have been more protests now, as in our generation,” Stevens said. “I say this because our generation really does care about ourselves, and I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, it’s just, sometimes, we need to be aware of our surroundings instead of only focusing on ourselves.”
“I feel like there’s a wide range of ages that attend protests,” Kays said. “But also… the people that I see promoting it or talking about it are like… it’s just younger generations.”
In the US, 32 out of 34 of the largest single-day protests promoted liberal causes rather than conservative causes, according to Psychology Today.
“I do think a lot of religious groups protest,” Stites said. “I feel like I see a lot of religious people on the road protesting and try and get their message across.”
“I think more protests are coming from the Democratic Party as of now,” Neff said. “I feel like it’s good to give your opinion, but, if you’re getting kids involved and like, missing out on school and just walking out, I don’t think that’s the right way to handle it.”
Even though younger generations protest more often, that doesn’t mean older generations don’t also have an opinion.
“Protests may not always make an immediate impact, but the disruption of the status quo is the first step toward change,” social studies teacher Ashley Manger said. “The movements centered around civil rights, women’s rights, labor, war, and so many other issues ushered in change and shifts in power. I believe that the current protests illustrate how far the people know we have come, because these protests center around regressive governmental policy.”
“I think anytime you have people in society who don’t like what government policies are… it’s just kind of our American DNA to go out and protest,” social studies teacher Eric Burres said. “It’s a way that you can make your voice heard, besides going and voting, is protesting.”
Examples of protests similar to No Kings Day or Anti-ICE in American history are movements like the civil rights movement, Manger says.
“No Kings and ICE protests, Black Lives Matter, and the Women’s March on Washington are the largest and most powerful protest movements I have witnessed in my lifetime,” Manger said.
With the increase of younger generations participating in civic engagement, some teachers say they have also seen a change.
“I think it’s important to have a voice,” Burres said, “[and] to be educated on different matters of our, not just our country’s history, but also too of current events.”
“This is the most active period of engagement I have seen over my 25 years at NAHS. It makes this former government teacher happy and hopeful,” Manger said.
Teachers have encouraging words for future generations.
“Be aware. There’s a big world out there, but you will find that it shrinks more and more with each passing year,” Manger said. “Be thoughtful. Idle minds are as problematic as idle hands. Be productive. Being reactive is much more stressful. Be willing. Listen to hear rather than listen to respond.”
