To some students, Hillary Clinton is apparently such an evil “war criminal” that she does not have a right to campaign at their university.
About 30 protesters gathered outside Hillary’s event at the University of California-Riverside, Highlander News reported.
Despite their disruptive presence, the protesters considered themselves the victims.
“As people of color under attack, what do we do? Stand up and fight back,” they yelled.
The protesters included five students who planted themselves in the front row and were eventually escorted out by Secret Service during the speech, The Daily Mail reported.
One of the five, Yesenia Padilla, took personal offense to the university going against her views by allowing Hillary to be there.
“As a person of color, it’s insulting for UC to let Hillary Clinton come to our campus,” she said.
Protesters outside took a similar entitled tone as they shouted “Whose university? My university,” called Hillary a “war criminal,” and chanted “hey, hey, ho, ho, Hillary has got to go.”
Freshman David Udall called Hillary “a liar,” “a candidate of the rich,” and “a known supporter of American imperialism.” He also questioned “this white liberal feminism,” in “the party of progressives.”
David Chavez, a doctoral student, told Highlander News that he took issue with Hillary and the Democratic Party “really support[ing] capitalism and global imperialism around the world.”
Udall said that Hillary is “not popular” on campus.
Sandra Monroy mentioned she is “very disillusioned” with Hillary, and said one of her “main concerns” is that Hillary has already been behaving as the nominee.
“I don’t think it was OK for her to come to campus and as though the ‘self-evident truth’ is that she will be the nominee and tell Sanders supporters they ought to settle and get over it,” Monroy said. The comments and concerns might be valid, but do not explain why Hillary should not be allowed to speak on campus.
Counter-protester Guy Harrell said that the protesters weren’t open to creating dialogue.
“If you don’t want to be here for a dialogue, then why be here in the first place?” he asked. It’s a good question, but not one the protesters are likely to be able to answer beyond ranting about their hurt feelings.
