On November 15, 2016 students from Washington DCPS peacefully marched to Pennsylvania Ave. to protest president-elect Donald Trump. Since the election a week ago, millennials have been up in arms and trying to make their voices heard in the uproar of the aftermath of the results of the election. The hashtag “#dcpswalkout” is the 2nd most trending topic in Washington D.C today and is just one of the many walkouts occurring on campuses around the country this week.
The main goal of this walkout was not to riot, but to peacefully use their rights as Americans to assemble as a group and fight for what they believe in. This tweet was widespread across Twitter and set out specific goals and rules for this walkout to make it successful.
Their flyer: #DCPSWalkout pic.twitter.com/2bEp2Q0aN7
— Khamleesi (@kamtheleo) November 15, 2016
The hashtag started a stunning revolution, which brought together over 3,000 young students to protest in the streets of D.C.
3000 #DC students just formed a wall around the Washington Monument chanting "You want a wall, here's your wall" … YESSSSS #DCPSwalkout
— MattyK (@OhMatt1) November 15, 2016
Wave of students sprinting down the Mall. Destination: White House. #DCPSwalkout pic.twitter.com/xhNqX2ZeAV
— Alejandro Alvarez (@aletweetsnews) November 15, 2016
We might not know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future. #dcpswalkout
— Chris Trice (@Tricefor3) November 15, 2016
Although many see these walkouts as making a positive political and social statement, users have taken to Twitter to express their disinterest in the nation wide protests that are occurring. Many are stating institutions that allow these walkouts are wasting the education of their students:
USA isn't even in the top 30 for education. Allows students who aren't voting age to protest our democracy instead of learning 🙄#dcpswalkout
— Mr Deplorable (@LostHumphrey) November 15, 2016
So we are supposed to care about what high school kids do. I'm so confused about the impact of this. Because it means nothing #dcpswalkout
— Sarah 👠(@sarahlyonsinc) November 15, 2016
It may have only been a week since the election results, but the controversies are only just beginning. As universities around the country prepare for their own walkouts this week, even Syracuse University, this Washington D.C walkout is only just the beginning of a millennial revolution for equality and peace.