Loyola students and faculty left classes Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. to join forces in the Peace Quad for a “solidarity walkout,” organized by a new campus group, the Loyola Community Coalition for Social Justice. Loyola community members gathered on the front steps of Monroe Library, where students and faculty spoke of social justice and unity.

Walkout speakers included Melissa Alba, political science junior; Sarhely Morales, political science sophomore; Susan Weishar, migration specialist of the Jesuit Social Research Institute; Ashley Howard, history professor; and Alvaro “Al” Alcazar, director of the Twomey Center for Peace Through Justice.

An open mic session followed the scheduled speakers and allowed students to share their experiences as members of minority groups and express their concerns about presidential election results. Students spoke of hate and the need to fight for human rights.

Katlyn Hash, history junior, attended the event with friends and posted a FaceBook live video of the demonstration.

“It was great to see how a lot of people came together to support those in their school community,” Hash said. “It was really powerful hearing not only students speak about their experience after the election but also hear teachers’ side of things.”

Around 3 p.m. the Loyola Community Coalition for Social Justice led a march around campus, ending on St. Charles Avenue near the Loyola letters. Marchers chanted “Love not hate makes America great” and “Say it out, say it clear, everyone is welcome here.”

“We wanted our event to incorporate the national walk-out movement while also tailoring it to the values and message of Loyola,” said Andie Slein, a leader of the Loyola Community Coalition for Social Justice. “A walk-out demonstration is particularly effective on a college campus because it can be disruptive to the usual flow of the day of classes while also allowing everyone a chance to congregate at the same time.”