Social media’s reaction to the May 2 protest

Supporters of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump converse with SIU freshman MiKala Barrett on Monday outside Faner Hall following the May 2 protest. One of the issues addressed in the protest was racism at SIU, much of which has concerned the controversial presidential candidate. — May 2, 2016, Carbondale, Ill.

By Evan Jones, @EvanJones_DE
May 2, 2016

Students and community members protested all types of issues on Monday, something that divided SIU students on social media.

Here’s what some critics of the protest said on Facebook and Twitter.

“This #SIUC protest is so disorganized. #OneThingAtATime” @_iruiz said on Twitter.

The demonstrators received hate online for what some people called disorganization.

“No direction and no clear message…” Raymond Gilmer said on Facebook.

“So my school is rioting, and apparently it’s supposed to be about the budget, but now it’s about black people and Donald trump.” @theKmorg wrote on Twitter.

“Although I love my undergrad University, I will actively work against the school and the administration If SIU panders to this childish nonsense,” Brent McDaniel said on Facebook. “The racists are the ‘protesters’.”

Others were pleased with the movement’s message and execution.

“I found the protest moving and powerful,” @Hayleymd95 said on Twitter. “It was an amazing group of people speaking from the heart. #SIU #May2nd.”

“If we were still under the Rita Cheng Regime, this would have ended in total disaster,” @SIUProblems said on Twitter of former Chancellor Rita Cheng. “Yea, unorganized, def! But at least it’s something.”

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Some didn’t take a stance, but were able to find some humor in the situation.

“Carbondale goin up on Monday,” @Cracker_Jack26 said on Twitter.

Of course, some people had to allude to SIU’s reputation for fun Friday through Sunday.

“Lol I think if we all can handle the weekends here in Carbondale, we can handle a little riot on a Monday,” @TeamHeitzig wrote on Twitter.

“Shout out to the dude who responded ‘I’m just tryna party’ when asked why he’s participating in the protest,” @SoIllGent said on Twitter. “You’re my fucking hero.”

One commenter even invoked a little Spongebob reference.

“Next time there is a major protest downtown, I’m going to show up protesting ‘The Crusty Crab is unfair’ with the nose picking sign” @_KYLE____ said on Twitter.

Evan Jones can be reached at [email protected] or 618-536-3304.