When Elgin Community College student Esmeralda Flores Espinoza was in middle school, she was bullied for her religion. During this time, she  wished she had some kind of support to help her get through it. Now, a senator in Student Government, Espinoza is participating in the Safety Pin Campaign.

“We agreed that students needed to feel safe at ECC regardless of who is running the country and that ECC will always be their home where they are not discriminated against,” Espinoza said.

The Safety Pin Campaign started right after the 2016 election. It was a way of peaceful protest for some. For others, it was a way of showing people that they have someone they can talk to. They called themselves ‘safe spaces’ for those who may feel like they are being discriminated against.

ECC’s student government decided to participate in the spring semester. President of student government Jesus Martinez wants people to know that ECC is a safe environment where anyone can feel safe and talk about what is going on in the community, the country and the world around them.

“The best outcome that we hope for is for students to get engaged in a positive environment here at ECC and in our community. Most of all, Student Government wants to unite the students to create a positive and respectful generation,” Martinez said.

For some. the reasons may not necessarily be political, but more so simply described as a way to show positivity towards others regardless of who they are.

“I don’t like it when people act negatively towards another human being. I have been raised to be respectful to others and find discrimination as something there shouldn’t be in the world.” said student government senator Fatima Cruz.

Another main reason for the campaign was to help students and community.

While it wont completely end discrimination, Cruz is positive that the campaign will help give those who feel like they are being discriminated against someone they can talk to.

“Sadly there will be people who will discriminate, but have in mind that there will also be those kind of people where they will be a safe haven for those who who are discriminated,” Cruz said.

Student government along with Black Student Achievers will be putting on an event later in the semester entitled ‘Be-Nice Campaign’, where the hope is to spread civility on campus.

“While we hope for the students and community to commit to a better change, this type of movement takes time, student government is committed to continue to educate our campus community through civic engagement and civility through various events and efforts throughout the year,” Martinez said.

When asked what you should do if someone ever feels like they are being discriminated against, Espinoza had this simple but helpful advice.

“Please don’t stay silent. Silence will never fix your pain, stay strong. What is considered to be different is what makes you beautiful. Your current situation won’t be your permanent destination. I promise you life will get better and get away from all that negativity.”