Rutgers Students Rally Against Trump Immigration Policies
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Hundreds of Rutgers University students rallied on campus on Wednesday to protest the immigration policies of Republican President-elect Donald Trump.
Participants in the protest on the New Brunswick campus called on university administrators to protect students and employees against immigration proceedings under Trump's presidency.
The protest forced the cancellation of some classes on the campus.
A handful of Trump supporters also rallied at the site and later marched in the streets alongside the anti-Trump groups. But officials said the march overall was orderly and no problems were reported.
Trump's campaign promises included a vow to deport millions of people who are in the U.S. illegally.
The event caused some classes to be canceled, and some streets were closed to accommodate the marchers, who had a police escort. The event was one of several rallies staged on campuses across the nation.
``We're fighting for permanent protection, dignity and respect,'' said Alex Uematsu, a Rutgers senior and the local rally's lead organizer.
Carlos Decena, an associate professor and chair of the university's Latino Studies program, urged the participants to continue fighting anti-immigrant policies. But he also urged the students and others to ``listen more'' and not immediately discredit opposing viewpoints
``No more censoring views contrary to yours,'' Decena told the crowd. ``We need to find ways to disagree, to vigorously engage, without holding our nose up and being obnoxious.''
There was a group of half a dozen Trump supporters, wearing red ``Make America Great Again'' hats and holding a blue Trump banner amid the anti-Trump demonstration.
Brandon Riso, a Rutgers freshman, was among the Trump supporters who attended the rally.
``I wanted to make our presence known that we are no longer the minority,'' Riso told NJ.com. ``We're the majority, and we're no longer going to be treated like second-class citizens.''
Protests against Trump have been held around the country since the election last week.
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