Women's March to Freedom

By Leila Alfaro and Tychel Rico, Seniors

          January 21, 2017 marked the day for the Women`s March in Washington D.C-- over half a million people attended from all over the United States, and more than 75 countries hosted sister marches, advocating for women's rights, immigration reform, healthcare, environment issues, LGBTQ rights, racial equality, workers` rights, and freedom of religion. Some of our own iPrep teachers, Ms. Muller, Ms. Hauser, and Ms. Gelber, were able to attend and help make a difference.  

          When interviewed, one response was consistent among all three. When asked what inspired them to attend the March the day after the inauguration of President Donald Trump, their immediate answer was simultaneous: As strong and independent women, they all felt as if their rights are in jeopardy since Trump had been repeatedly expressing anti-female views with the support of his administration. Our teachers felt the need to attend an event that enabled them to protest for something they believed in, as the First amendment allows them to do.

         When asked to recall their most memorable moment of the march, Ms. Gelber recalled a touching group of Native Americans standing up against the Dakota pipeline that is viewed as an infringement.  Ms. Muller remembered the sense of unity and conviction of harmony as she lead the many chants.  Ms. Hauser also thought of the chants, and her favorite was, “This is what democracy looks like” because of the variety of people (young, old, male female) marching for this cause.  They all expressed that they attended because they felt deeply connected and felt that the event was a significant part of being American.  

   This March has a lasting effect: these women have continued to feel empowered. They all feel like women`s rights are being violated, and through their involvement, they helped bring awareness to women now and future generations of women. They all said that they were only a small part of something much bigger, and sadly, Ms. Muller remarked, “It’s ridiculous that we are still marching for this."  One would think that in 2017, when girls are empowered to be leaders, women would be respected and understood to be an important part of society.  

     In honor of Women's History Month, we are proud of our women teachers!