As with any political event, political candidate Donald Trump's rally held at the USF Sun Dome brought in thousands—yes, quite the impressive crowd Mr. Trump. As the Sun Dome filled up with fired up supporters, the sidewalks were packed with angry protesters who began gathering hours before the event.
Many of the protester groups were organized through Facebook in the hopes of getting one message across: "Mr. Donald Trump, you are not welcome here."
Amanda Hill and Emily West, both students, were one duo who organized a protest group soon after finding out about Trump's appearance at the on campus. Enraged and upset, they believe what USF stands for and what Trump stands for, are hardly relatable.
"He has the right to be here, but because of the culture of the campus, if USF wanted to combat him being here, they could have," Hill said.
Protest groups met early to make signs protesting the policies Trump supports, his use of hateful words as well as his hair, for that matter.
Opposition to racism reappeared countless times on posters all throughout the night. (Some quite witty as well.)
Protestors of all backgrounds had gathered by 4:30 p.m. to begin organized chants on the outskirts of the Sun Dome.
"When I say racist, you say Trump," a voice from the speakerphone echoed.
"Racist!"
"Trump!" protestors yelled in unison.
While they formed to greet incoming Trump supporters with chants ending in "Donald Trump go away," Trump supporters yelled back "get a job".
Democratic Society, helped organize the protest with
the hopes of promoting peaceful student activism. Her opinion—Trump's hateful speech against immigrants, women, the LGBT community and people of color should not be welcomed by anyone.
One Trump critic even brought a Trump pintana. Supporters and protesters were encouraged to take a few swings. Trump supporters did not seem pleased, though entertainment was plentiful for those waiting in line to get into the event.
A few protesters even brought their little ones to protest along. Amber West, mother of 3-year-old Aliana West, was also one who found nothing but frustration when she found Trump was speaking in Tampa.
"I can't believe someone racist, sexist, and discriminatory is eligible for presidency," said West.
When her daughter Aliana was asked what her sign read, she responded with a gleaming smile, "Dump Trump."
Shannon Evans, a USF alumni, also brought her son to the protest to show support any way she could.
Most protesters remained outside during Trump's speech, as Trump could kick anyone out; it was a private event, paid for by Mr. Trump himself (and he did kick a few out). Though the USF Sun Dome was packed with a sea of supporters, a few protesters managed to present their message subtly.
Trump took the stage 40 minutes after his scheduled time and went on to speak about the national debt, America's "losing" issue, and the media's representation of his success. Supporters broke out in a few chants, including the ever-present "build that wall."
Inside, his supporters were going wild, and outside his opposers stayed strong and put. Their own chants continued, their signs remained high, and they lost no fervor despite being five hours into the event.
The majority of the protest groups opted to leave the rally to avoid conflict with riled up Trump supporters. Other protest groups went a different route. Emotions ran high, the name-calling began, and insults started flying. From "Mexicans stole my car" to "she hates white people," nothing was PG anymore.
Vincent Roth, a student at USF, caught up with us and filled us in on being kicked out of the rally after taking up a sign of a fellow protestor escorted out moments before. The sign read "Racism is not public policy". His shirt was just the icing on the cake.
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Meet David Combs, who supports Trump, but surprised protesters with his speech.
"I am passionate about my cause, and I am not judging your choices," Combs said to some protesters. "I love atheists, agnostics, gays, and I don't care what you vote for as long as you care, and are passionate about America, and just vote."
