Demonstrators swarmed the streets of Dallas, Portland, Boston, and Chicago, as well  neighborhoods outside campuses such as the University of California, Los Angeles.  According to the New York Times, protests of “Dump Trump” and “Not Our President” rang in the New York air outside Trump Tower in New York City.  In Denver, breaking news of anti-Trump protests flooded the news stations.  

The country is in chaos when it should truly be uniting under one power to form the strongest nation possible.  The inability of citizens, whether Democrat or Republican, to connect despite differing beliefs has become evident through the 2016 election

The issue is no longer about who arose victorious following the election.  It’s not about the candidate who won the popular vote versus the one who triumphed in the electoral vote.  The election is over.  What’s done is done and no matter how citizens may feel, Donald Trump is the new president.  

Just because the man stands as the new leading figure in the United States government does not mean that one must agree with his every policy, or any for that matter.  However, the hatred consuming Americans around the country and even the students of Rock Canyon is debilitating.

Some students have resorted to burning American flags in the school parking lot and arguing in class over the election’s outcome.  True, these Americans are protected under the First Amendment which states that, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances,” (Cornell University Law School).  

Perhaps these students are legally protected and feel justified in their actions.  However, such argumentation may not be the best solution to the boiling dispute within American society.  

Susan Heitler, with Psychology Today, believes that conflict should be solved with “Collaborative Resolution,” instead of resorting to the “Fight” response.  When employing the first method, students bring the conflict to the foreground, discussing options of how to reach a mutual solution.

Instead of “bullying their their way to a solution via coercive powering over,” Heitler suggests three steps to conflict resolution that Rock Canyon students would do well to follow in order to create unity and peace following a tumultuous presidential election.  

• Recognize the issue at hand.  Discussion is impossible if one or both parties fail to recognize their inevitable flaws.  

• Explore concerns that compose the conflict and their possible solutions.  This must be completed in an orderly and civil manner.  

• Resolve dissension as students discover a solution and a plan of action that addresses the concerns of all involved groups.  The plan of action is key to making any true progress.

On a broader level, the most prominent component of any resolution is cooperation and understanding of both sides of the argument.  Supporters of Donald Trump and supporters of Hillary Clinton must join together in respectful discussion of dividing issues so that the United States and specifically the halls of Rock Canyon may be peaceful once more, and yet stronger for the trials endured.  

It’s time to give up the petty arguments as well as the more drastic protests.  This friction does nothing more than widen the gap between groups of Americans. When understanding is reached, these issues can truly benefit America for together, the nation is stronger than separated.  There are many pressing issues dominating the world and knocking on the nation’s door.  Stand to meet these challenges, strong and united.