CUSD Against Racism: Women’s March

On Saturday, Oct. 17, Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) Against Racism held a women’s march at Hidden Hills Park. Those in attendance marched nearly four miles to Bear Brand park, spreading their messages to everyone on Golden Lantern. Students and alumni voiced “powerful messages of resiliency,” according to the RSVP form. One of the organization’s main goals was to encourage our community to take action regarding the election on the third of November.

CUSD Against Racism is a student-run organization that is “devoted to combating racism and amplifying BIPOC voices in Capistrano Unified School District”. Their purposes include fighting racial and gender inequality.

The women’s march was not only focused on gender inequality issues such as the wage gap, but also issues revolving around women’s reproductive rights. It also spread awareness about racism in our country, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental problems. The organization openly welcomed and encouraged “people of all ages, races, genders, and sexualities” to engage in the march.

Dana’s very own junior Alexandria Mulqueen, senior Rona Darabi, and alumni Tess Mathes hosted the march. They had over 150 people attend, and multiple spoke out about experiencing sexism, or other forms of discrimination, in Capistrano Unified School District.

Social distancing was practiced during the march, and face coverings were also required to join to ensure COVID-19 guidelines were followed. Everyone who attended was required to RSVP beforehand, so the hosts could keep the OC Sheriff’s Department updated with the estimated number of people attending in order to keep everyone safe and healthy.