Alan Shapiro, writer and professor in the english and comparative literature department, was forwarded the petition through his network of writers and decided to sign.
“I find the prospect of a Trump presidency really terrifying,” Shapiro said. “I think he is a new low in American politics, in at least my time. I’ve never seen a bigger scoundrel run for the presidency than him.”
Shapiro said Trump is a bigot and a liar, and the violence at his rallies is scary. Shapiro said writers in particular are taking a stand against Trump because of his use of language and the lack of truth in what he says.
“We care about language, and we care about thought and we care about the truth,” Shapiro said. “Every time this guy opens his mouth, he lies and nobody seems to call him on it.”
Chiazam Omenyi, a rising junior, weighed in on the issue of professors voicing their political opinions publically.
“I don’t see anything wrong with it,” Omenyi said. “I think that everyone should be able to voice their opinions if they feel like they have the need to.”
Allan Gurganus, a writer and activist from Hillsborough, also signed the petition.
“I think a lot of people feel that the first amendment is too precious to actually use, they’re saving their right to speak up eventually,” Gurganus said. “But it’s time to actually exercise that right and make a little noise when you see something disturbing going on.”
