Free America Walkout Draws Crowds in Columbus & Ohio Cities

Demonstrators are planning a nationwide "Free America Walkout" to protest the policies of the Trump administration. The Columbus event, organized by the Women's March and other groups, will take place near the Ohio Statehouse. Upwards of 150 demonstrators gathered outside the Ohio Statehouse in downtown Columbus as part of the nationwide "Free America Walkout,” calling for a pause in daily routines to protest the policies of President Donald Trump's administration on the one-year anniversary of his return to the White House. Organizers with the Women's March, the Ohio chapter of the grassroots group 50501 and other allied groups stood with signs opposing the Trump administration, the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and “Kings.” The act is meant to demonstrate resistance to what they consider escalating attacks on civil liberties and democratic norms. Demonstrators chanted "O-H I-O, Donald Trump has got to go," and many who drove past the statehouse honked their horns. Local organizer Martha Davis said, despite frigid temperatures, it was necessary for people to be visible in their opposition to the administration. "We want to get more people to wake up, and we want to make sure we're visible," Davis said. "It's too easy to go about your day if it's not really impacting you, so hopefully, we're creating impact." Also, a nurse, Davis said, protesting that the administration's actions felt personal to her, given recent actions to exclude nurses from the list of professional degrees. "We need a way to counter all the list of horrible things his administration has done," Davis said. "I really just want people to get involved, contact their representatives and register to vote." Walkout events scheduled across Ohio Similar events in cities including Dayton, Fremont, Akron, and other Ohio communities were planned as part of a larger nationwide movement that included more than 600 actions scheduled across the country. Over 100 students walked out of Upper Arlington High School on Jan. 20 as part of a nationwide protest, despite the principal's warnings that consequences could include detention or Saturday school. According to the official event information, participants are asked to organize with neighbors and classmates and "turn your back and walk out on fascism," a phrase featured in materials promoting the walkouts. Organizers are also encouraging solidarity actions for those who cannot leave school or work, including refraining from spending on that day.