Over the past few weeks, our country’s election has been rocked by a series of revelations regarding the Republican Party’s nominee, Donald Trump. Access Hollywood tapes revealed Trump bragging about grabbing women’s genitals and forcibly kissing strangers without consent. Since the videos were released, 11 women have come forward with credible allegations of sexual assault. Although on the tapes he brags about these disgusting acts and uses money, influence and power as justifications for them, Trump has vehemently denied the charges since they came out, saying his accusers are unattractive, and even threatening to sue them.
Following these recent events, prominent Republicans across the country, from John McCain to John Kasich, have publicly disavowed Trump. College Republicans across the nation have renounced Trump, culminating with the College Republicans national chairwoman. The University of Maryland chapter of College Republicans has elected to not endorse any presidential candidate this election. However, this is not enough, and it sends the message that the organization is complacent with Trump’s horrifying confessions and antics. We are not asking this university’s chapter of College Republicans to endorse Hillary Clinton or any of the third-party candidates. However, we believe that the organization needs to move from a neutral stance to a more assertive one, denouncing Trump.
This university’s chapter of College Republicans has thus far tried to have the best of both worlds. Its non-decision regarding Trump reflects a desire to appeal to a wide base of Republicans. However, this appeal means that more moderate and compassionate members of the party are overshadowed by Trump’s hateful and divisive rhetoric.
By distancing itself from Trump, this university’s chapter of College Republicans would be standing in solidarity with the countless Americans he has insulted during this election cycle. The organization would be taking a stand against those who use Trump’s rhetoric as an excuse to bully and torment its peers.
For every moment that this university’s chapter of College Republicans refuses to denounce Trump, it’s turning a blind eye to the millions of Americans he has attacked over the course of his campaign. It’s ignoring frightened Muslim students who are wondering what a Trump presidency would mean for their family. It’s ignoring Latin-American students who fear their families would be torn apart. It’s ignoring every woman who has ever suffered from sexual assault, as well as the women who fear Trump’s definition of “locker room talk” will normalize rape culture and behaviors that degrade women.
It’s time for this university’s chapter of College Republicans to take action and stay true to its values. We know it’s capable of courage, not cowardice. It’s time the organization publicly disavowed a candidate who is the antithesis of what it means to be a true man, a true American and a true Republican.
This column was written by the University of Maryland’s College Democrats Executive Board.
William O’Malley is a freshman government & politics major.
Sedef Berk is a sophomore government & politics and sociology major.
Cayli Baker is a junior English and government & politics major.
Chris Richter is a sophomore finance and government & politics major.
Tisya Mavuram is a junior English and government & politics major.
Mitchell Wilson is a junior English major.
Jake Polce is a junior government & politics major.
