Calvin Duessel, junior in business, is a Trump supporter.
He was glad when his candidate won the presidential election. But the vitriol from both sides following election night has become too much, he said.
That's why he took to the concourse Thursday, two days after Election Day, with a sign that reads "free hugs" in bold, handwritten letters. The sign is also inscribed with a quote from President Barack Obama's election night message to voters.
"We choose to see the best in one another," the sign reads. "No matter what happens, the sun will rise in the morning and America will still be the greatest nation on Earth."
The post-election atmosphere in the U.S. has grown toxic, Duessel said.
"America’s bigger than one person," Duessel said. "This isn’t the first time. We’ve had bad elections before. But with the age of social media and everything people are really, really, really getting upset and it’s starting to spread. It’s not just the Hillary supporters. It’s the Trump supporters, too."
It's important for frustrated citizens to feel accepted, Duessel said.
"Essentially what I’m trying to do is whether you’re a Trump supporter like me, or if you voted for Hillary or Johnson or Stein — or even McMullin if you’re from Utah. Regardless of who you voted for, if you need a hug you can come get one from me. This is America. We’re bigger than this."
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