SAN MARCOS, Texas – An anti-Donald Trump protest ensued at Texas State University in San Marcos on Thursday. Hundreds of students chanted for unity, hoping to show that their campus is safe for students of all colors.
The center of the campus was filled with a sea of students. Cellphone video captured the crowds and their message.
“I'm definitely a fan of peaceful protests, but it's lovely to see people support. When I saw the number of people that were out here this morning, I definitely cried. I'm a crier,” Gabrielle Glass said.
The peaceful protests started about 7 a.m. Thursday. Students holding anti-Trump signs waved flags and stood up for their beliefs.
“I feel afraid even as a white male. I understand that I'm not even getting the worst of it. There’s people of color — Latinos, women — who are being targeted for having different ideas," said Hunter Rollins, a student.
Hate-filled flyers were also found in a campus bathroom.
“That's what set me off. I think it's absolutely ridiculous that people that are racist, or don't believe in diversity, think they can come and speak out just because we have some sort of person that’s racist as our future leader," said Hailey Horton, a student.
The flyers called for vigilante squads to arrest and torture university advocates who teach diversity. A separate flyer called for filling the Rio Grande River with alligators, snakes and piranhas.
“This is a campus of diversity. This is a campus that celebrates every single student that’s here, and for any group of people to say that they're going to hurt and disagree with the diverse campus they're living in, like, why are you here?" said Dajiyah Sullenun, a student.
Campus police said the protest became heated at times but remained peaceful. No arrests were made.
Students plan to hold another protest at about 4 p.m. Friday at the town square and downtown.
The university’s president said police are investigating who posted the flyers on bathroom mirrors.
In a statement, University president Denise Trauth said, "While we encourage individuals in our university community to openly express their thoughts, we expect them to do so with civility and in a collegial manner that reflects Texas State's core values.”