Lana Oconnell
Students at the University of Alabama have a history of protesting against former President Donald Trump's visits to their campus. In 2019, ahead of Trump's visit to the university's football game against Louisiana State University, the Student Government Association (SGA) warned students against engaging in disruptive behavior, threatening to revoke reserved football seating for any student groups that protested. This sparked controversy, with some interpreting it as a ban on protesting the President. In response, students staged a sit-in protest on campus, expressing their discontent with both Trump and the SGA's statement. More recently, in 2024, University of Alabama students planned an anti-Trump event ahead of his appearance at the Alabama-Georgia football game in Tuscaloosa, demonstrating their right to free speech and assembly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of protest | November 8, 2019 |
| Protest type | Sit-in |
| Location | Steps of Gorgas Library, University of Alabama campus |
| Reason for protest | Trump's impending visit and his culture of systemic racism |
| Organiser | UA student Tori Jones |
| Organiser's affiliation | Student Civil Justice Coalition |
| Student government's stance | Warned against disruptive behaviour |
| Student government's consequence | Loss of reserved football seating for the rest of the year |
What You'll Learn
University of Alabama students' anti-Trump protests
University of Alabama Students Anti-Trump Protests
University of Alabama students have a history of protesting against former President Donald Trump's visits to their campus. In November 2019, ahead of Trump's visit to the university to watch a football game between the Crimson Tide and LSU, students staged a protest against his impending arrival. The protest was organized by UA student Tori Jones, who stated that the visit would put "all of our student body at risk" and bring a "culture of systemic racism" to the campus. The students held signs with messages such as "Love Trumps Hate", "No Jobs on a Dead Planet", and "I Hate Trump More than Auburn".
In the lead-up to this protest, the University of Alabama's Student Government Association (SGA) issued a memo warning students against "disruptive behavior" during the game. This was met with backlash, with some interpreting it as an attempt to curb protests against the President. The SGA later clarified their statement, emphasizing their support for free speech and the rights of students to express their opinions.
In September 2024, University of Alabama students planned another anti-Trump event ahead of the former president's appearance at the Alabama-Georgia football game in Tuscaloosa. The protest was organized by the UA College Democrats, who wanted to express their "distaste" for Trump, his rhetoric, and his decision to turn the sporting event into a "glorified campaign rally." The student group had initially planned a rally for Friday but had to change locations due to security concerns and the proximity to fraternity houses, which they believed posed a public safety risk.
University of Alabama students have also protested other issues indirectly related to Trump. In May 2024, a group of students gathered at the university's student center to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and to urge the college to cut ties with Lockheed Martin, a defense contractor supplying weapons to Israel. Counter-protesters, some holding Trump banners, gathered near the fountain, and both groups were separated by university police to ensure a peaceful demonstration.
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Trump's visit to the Alabama-Georgia football game
Former President Donald Trump attended the Alabama-Georgia football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Saturday, September 28, 2024. This was Trump's second visit to the stadium, previously attending the Alabama-LSU game in 2019. Trump's appearance at the game was met with mixed reactions, with some anticipating his visit and others protesting against it.
Trump was invited by Alabama businessman and Mar-a-Lago member Ric Mayers Jr. The former president was joined by Alabama Sens. Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville, musicians Kid Rock and Hank Williams Jr., and Georgia football icon Herschel Walker. Trump's presence at the game sparked excitement among his supporters, who cheered and chanted "USA" when he greeted fans and waved from a suite.
In the days leading up to the game, University of Alabama students organized a tailgate protest on the Quad to express their "distaste" for the former president and his rhetoric. The protest was led by the UA College Democrats, who viewed Trump's presence at the game as an attempt to turn it into a "glorified campaign rally." They had initially planned a rally for Friday but had to change locations due to security concerns and proximity to fraternity houses.
Trump's visit to the Alabama-Georgia game sparked a range of emotions, with some eagerly awaiting his arrival and others expressing concern and distaste for his presence. The University of Alabama prioritized campus safety and worked closely with law enforcement to ensure a secure environment for all attendees, including the former president.
Trump's attendance at the game was part of his campaign trail as the Republican presidential nominee. His supporters in Alabama welcomed him warmly, chanting "Trump! Trump! Trump!" and displaying stickers and buttons with the message, "They're eating the Dawgs!"
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Students' freedom of expression
Students have the right to freedom of expression, which is protected by the First Amendment. This right does not disappear when students enter school premises, as the Supreme Court ruled in 1969 that students do not "shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate". This means that students can speak out, hand out flyers and petitions, and wear expressive clothing in school, as long as they do not disrupt the functioning of the school or violate school policies unrelated to the message expressed.
The definition of "disruptive" will vary depending on the context, but it is important to note that a school disagreeing with a student's position or finding their speech controversial is not sufficient to qualify as disruptive. Courts have upheld students' rights to wear items like anti-war armbands, armbands opposing the right to abortion, and shirts supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, schools can enforce rules that are unrelated to the message expressed, such as dress codes. For example, a school can prohibit the wearing of hats, but it cannot selectively ban certain types of hats based on the message they convey.
Students also have the right to express their views outside of school, where they enjoy the same rights to protest and speak out as anyone else. Protesting off-campus and outside of school hours is generally the most protected form of student expression. Students have the right to speak their minds on social media, and schools have the least authority to punish students for online content posted outside of school hours that does not relate to the school.
While students can be disciplined for missing class, schools cannot discipline students more harshly because of the message or political nature of their actions. If students are facing suspension, they have the right to a formal process and can be represented by a lawyer. They should also be given the same opportunity to make up work as any other student who missed classes.
In the context of the University of Alabama, students have held multiple protests on campus, including a sit-in on the steps of Gorgas Library to protest President Donald Trump's visit during a football game, and a demonstration calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and urging the university to cut ties with a defence contractor. While counter-protests have occurred, the University of Alabama has stated its commitment to free and open inquiry and expression, facilitating opportunities for members of the community to express differing points of view.
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Trump's arrival controversy
On November 8, 2019, then-US President Donald Trump caused controversy at the University of Alabama even before he arrived on campus to watch a football game between LSU and Alabama. In the days leading up to Trump's visit, the Student Government Association (SGA) at the University of Alabama warned student groups that causing disruptions during the former president's visit could result in the loss of reserved seating for the rest of the season.
The SGA's warning was met with an angry reaction from some on campus, who interpreted it as a ban on protesting the president. The memo, from Jason Rothfarb, the student government's vice president of student affairs, said additional security would be in place during the game and that any organisations engaging in "disruptive behaviour" would be "instantly" removed and banned from block seating for the rest of the season.
In response to the controversy, the SGA released a statement pushing back against claims that it was trying to curb protests against Trump. The statement affirmed the SGA's belief in free speech and the rights of students to express their opinions. Rothfarb also issued a follow-up statement, clarifying that his comment regarding "disruptive behaviour" was not related to anyone's First Amendment rights.
Despite the warnings and controversy, some students at the University of Alabama still staged a protest against Trump's visit. Tori Jones, a UA student who organised the protest, said that Trump's visit put "all of our student body at risk" and that he "brings with him a culture of systemic racism". The protest took place close to where ESPN set up their "College GameDay" set on the Quad and was met with little pushback.
Trump's visit to the University of Alabama caused controversy and sparked debates about free speech, student safety, and political expression on college campuses.
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Student government's warning against disruptive behaviour
University students have the right to protest, and the University of Alabama is no exception. In fact, the university has affirmed its commitment to free and open inquiry and expression for its campus community. However, it is important that students express their views in a responsible and peaceful manner, as any deviation from university policies will be promptly addressed.
The Student Government Association (SGA) at the University of Alabama has warned students against causing disruptions during high-profile visits, such as that of President Donald Trump to a football game in 2019. The SGA reminded students that disruptive behavior could result in consequences such as the loss of reserved seating for the remainder of the season.
To prevent and manage disruptive behavior, the University of Alabama has implemented several strategies. These include establishing clear norms and expectations for behavior, both in the classroom and during protests or events. The university also emphasizes the importance of addressing disruptions directly and immediately, staying calm, and listening to student concerns.
Additionally, the university offers resources and support for students who may be struggling with distress or challenging behaviors. The Center for Support and Intervention encourages referrals from faculty and staff when identifiable behaviors of concern are exhibited by a student. The university also provides an Academic Ombud service, where students and faculty can receive advice and guidance regarding academic issues.
By following these guidelines and utilizing the available resources, the University of Alabama strives to create a safe and inclusive environment that promotes free expression while maintaining the safety and well-being of its campus community.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, University of Alabama students can protest Trump. In 2019, students staged a sit-in on the steps of Gorgas Library to protest Trump's visit to the university. In 2024, students planned a tailgate protest ahead of Trump's appearance at the Alabama-Georgia football game.
University of Alabama students have staged sit-ins and held signs with messages such as "Love Trumps Hate" and "Trump is Racist". They have also planned tailgate protests with food, drinks, merchandise, and anti-Trump flyers.
Yes, there have been counter-protests to University of Alabama students' anti-Trump protests. In one instance, counter-protesters held American flags and Trump banners, and sang the national anthem.
The University of Alabama has stated that it is committed to free and open inquiry and expression for members of its campus community. The university has also facilitated opportunities for students to express differing points of view, including protests. However, the university has also issued warnings against disruptive behavior during events such as football games, which some students have interpreted as a ban on protesting the president.
