During Advisory on November 9, Lincoln students held a walkout in protest of Donald Trump’s election to the White House. While a close race had been predicted by many news outlets, Clinton’s loss still came as a shock to the largely anti-Trump population at Lincoln.

The walkout–which was organized by juniors Claudia Azalde and Chally Gojolo–began with a single post to Instagram. It called for anyone who was apart of a “marginalized community” to convene in the quad.

“Claudia texted me saying she was super pissed about the elections and that we should do something about this…I thought that America had made some progress but apparently not, we’re kind of moving backwards,” said Gojolo.

The photo was then reposted by other students on campus, and news of the event soon began to draw the attention of the administrative body.

“I support students rights to free speech, so when we got word that students were going to gather, we wanted to provide students with a safe opportunity to speak their minds…which is why we set up the loudspeaker and stage,” stated Principal Matthew Hewitson. “We wanted to make sure no matter [what] students’ opinions on the election [were], whether upset or happy, everyone had the opportunity to have their opinions heard.”

Hewitson also issued a school wide announcement during 3rd period, voicing his support for students’ first amendment rights, as well as a request that the walkout remain peaceful.

At the walkout, numerous students spoke to the crowd of several hundred, and reassured the diverse population at Lincoln that there would still be hope despite the fact that Donald Trump had been elected.

“No matter what side you’re on, [or] who you voted for, it was good to hear people’s sides and and what they had to say,” stated Gojolo. “Like this Trump supporter that spoke about why he voted for him…and we also had Hillary supporters. I think it was good to hear people’s opinions.”