Students at Gavilan College in Gilroy organized a peaceful march to City Hall on Thursday afternoon, calling for peace and unity.
The Gavilan College democratic club galvanized dozens of fellow students, community members and a few high school students in a march against hateful speech and rhetoric following the presidental election of Donald Trump.
Chants included "Unity through diversity" and "This is what democracy looks like."
The march was one of many post-election protests and rallies that have occurred across the Bay Area and the nation in the past week.
Students raised colorful posters as they marched down the street just after 12:30 p.m. Some posters were anti-Trump, and others promoted peace and unity.
Student leaders say the march is a response to many students and residents who feel silenced and scared following the Nov. 8 election.
"Ever since Tuesday, we've been hearing students saying, 'Is my family being separated?'" said Tarianna Perez, president of the Gavilan College democratic club. "We want the community to know we are here for them."
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Marchers met at a parking lot behind Rabobank Bank on First Street before walking a little more than a mile to Gilroy City Hall. Gilroy police escorted the group as they walked down sidewalks.
At City Hall, marchers spoke about the need to speak out and be tolerant. Gavilan history professor Enrique Luna encouraged students to use their voice to inform political leaders of the way they want to be treated.
The march ended around 2 p.m.
