In light of the recent election, many students and teachers are feeling disgruntled and/or unsafe, especially in their school environments. This behavior all across America has inspired a new movement to show support for marginalized groups. The movement is Safety Pin America and all one has to do is pin a safety pin to the front of one’s shirt to signify that one is a safe haven for those who may be feeling oppressed. It signifies that one will not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexuality, race, disability, or religion.

It is important to keep this movement in mind right now as fears of discrimination and oppression swirl around the country. Regardless of whether or not you support the new President- elect, Donald Trump is not only pushing his policies, but he’s also pushing oppression. Oppression towards races and genders and religions that differ from his race and gender and religion. In addition to this, he has come out and said he plans to try and reverse the gay marriage act. Because of this, it is perfectly understandable that minorities, women, members of the LGBTQ community, and other members of marginalized groups are starting to fear the future. They are already starting to see some violence from people who very clearly support the views of Donald Trump.

The Safety Pin America movement is attempting to take this fear and turn it into strength, as many people have begun to say “Love Trumps Hate.” If we do not unite in this time, it is quite possible we will see dramatic changes to our day to day life. So hopefully these next few years will make an impression on all of us. Hopefully it will spark a time of truth; if you do not like the world around you, you speak up. A world where you see someone being hurt, and you have the courage to stand up for them. A time where we look around and are able to see beyond the donkeys and elephants to the people underneath and understand that we have to help people in pain, just like we would want help if we were in pain. This movement is meant to unite not divide.

In talking to some of the LHS student body I have been able to see that some students are already taking interest in this movement. A few students have already been spotted wearing safety pins, and during lunch the Theatre Club usually has a sign with information about Safety Pin America up on the smartboard.

“I thought it was going to be a thing where it was ‘Oh everybody wear a pin ‘cause we hate Trump’” one LHS senior says. “I mean not that I’m his biggest supporter or anything but like people need to calm down a little … but I think this is actually a positive thing cause I don’t really agree with his social stances and like he needs to leave people alone, it’s not up to him to control people.”

This statement really is what this safety pin movement is all about, turning the negatives into positive. As said by senior Michael Miles, “I like the idea of Saftey Pin America because it gives people the freedom to express themselves in a positive discrimination-free environment.”  So if this sounds like something that interests you, just find a regular old safety pin, wear it, and be kind to others.