At this point in 2016, you would have had to be living under a rock if you still haven’t heard of Donald Trump. Businessman and reality show host, now the 2016 Republican nominee for President of the U.S., Trump is famous internationally for his sudden, shocking, and discouraging rise to political fame in the U.S. Imagine my surprise and dismay when I learned that the man himself was making a pit stop at my old high school Monday, Aug. 1. It’s been over a month since the rally, but I still cannot believe that Trump would find a space in the school I once called my own, now polluted by the caricature of a man most famous for his racism, xenophobia, sexism, and a plethora of other -isms. As the news made its way around by Facebook feed, shared by old high school friends, many expressed their shock and dismay at the decision made to hold a political rally at a high school which actively promoted diversity, acceptance, and love. I distinctly remember our principal on the speaker system every day–whether she was congratulating one of our many sports teams on winning a game or reminding us not to litter in the parking lot or not to have food fights, she always began and ended every announcement with “I love you, Cumberland Valley.” Cumberland Valley (CV) is situated in an affluent, racially homogenous area of Central Pennsylvania, and at a school of almost three thousand students, 82% are white and only 11% are qualified as “economically disadvantaged.” Subtle racism and class divides (also along racial lines) are the norm, built into the demographics of Central Pennsylvania. However, the teachers and administrators I interacted with and the friends I made stood for diversity, inclusion, and acceptance. I can proudly say that it was my teachers and the opportunities at CV that influenced me and provided me with the chance to attend NYU Shanghai, a school that is nothing if not liberal and diverse. The backlash against the Trump rally, as evidenced by my incensed Facebook feed, was immediate and vocal. An email sent by the high school to the community attempted to explain: “Our buildings are made available for community purposes, provided that such use does not interfere with the educational program of the schools and that all school district policies are followed.” In addition, the district was eager to convey that “it is important to recognize that approval of this tour stop absolutely is not an endorsement of any political party or presidential candidate by the District.” Despite the disclaimer, many criticized the district for not outright refusing to host the Trump campaign. One CV alumni, Jahnai Iyer, claimed “hosting a RALLY for a candidate IS an explicitly political statement, and a public school should not participate in political propaganda,” in a statement widely shared among my high school friend group. Many of my friends slammed the CV school district for what can be seen as an endorsement of an extremely controversial and undeniably bigoted candidate; however, some have raised a valid point in defense: would we be saying the same thing if it was Hillary Clinton on the stage? If we want to stand for free speech, we have to stand for ALL free speech, even that which we don’t like. As these defenders rightly claim, the only way through this political jungle is by listening to what the other side says--not necessarily agreeing, but listening. It is a difficult situation for me to balance. On one hand, I am definitely anti-Trump. If I were in the U.S., the only way I would be anywhere near Trump’s rally is standing outside with a protest sign. Trump’s speeches are so riddled with lies and hatred I don’t think they have any place in a public school. On the other hand, I have such respect for my friends who are (rightly) asking “wouldn't it be discriminatory to rent the school to certain events but not to others just because you don't agree with them or what they stand for?” Especially in this contested election cycle, the idea of what is (or isn’t) free speech and what is (or isn’t) presidential has taken on new meaning. As unnerved as I feel about the fact that a man infamous for his disrespect toward minority groups in the U.S. and outright fear-mongering has such a strong support base in my hometown, I am also encouraged by the fact that these conversations are being dragged out of the darkness and onto national television screens. The people who believe Mexico is “sending rapists,” the white liberals who sincerely believe we live in a “post-racial America,” even the school district that believes a public high school committed to diversity and inclusion can hold a Trump rally–these people and ideas are being questioned, debated, and reformed. As awful as Trump is, as vile as his comments about women/disabled/Mexicans/Muslims/etc are, he is nevertheless a product of the America that exists today. He’s a product of a problem we have to confront as a nation. Whenever I return to my hometown and my high school, will I be a little bit disgusted and unnerved by the ghost of Trump and his unfavorable rallies and policies that haunt the halls of my old high school? Yes. Will I be encouraged by all my friends from back home who went and protested, and challenged the school board, and tried to engage in conversation? Also yes. As free as Trump and his (thousands of) supporters are to say what they want, those who contest him are just as free to debate back. That, after all, is what a democracy is all about.This article was written by Savannah Billman. Please send an email to [email protected] to get in touch. Photo Credit: Gabriela Naumnik