On Dec. 6, TIME Magazine named “The Silence Breakers,” the men and women who stood up and accused those in the entertainment industry of sexual assault and harassment, as Person of the Year. Ashley Judd, Susan Fowler, Adama Iwu, Taylor Swift and Isabel Pascual were all featured on the cover as well as the mention of hundreds of others who have come forward.

Following the #MeToo movement, many were proud of the people who came forward and were happy that they were being recognized in such a manner.

“The movement was a great way for men and especially women to share their sexual assault stories,” senior Katherine Flemming said. “I didn’t know there was a specific group of women who had been leading it or started it necessarily. It was amazing to see the global impact the movement had, though.”

Since 1927, TIME has honored someone with the title of Man or Person of the Year. The title was switched to Person of the Year in 1999 to allow women the chance to be honored. Controversy surrounding the prospects for this year’s winner was sparked after President Trump tweeted, “Time Magazine called to say that I was PROBABLY going to be named ‘Man (Person) of the Year,’ like last year, but I would have to agree to an interview and a major photo shoot. I said probably is no good and took a pass. Thanks anyway!”

Some were angry that TIME would consider Trump for the award, especially after he received it in 2016. TIME stated that Donald Trump was named runner-up for the award. Musician Demi Lovato spoke out against the decision on Twitter. “Time mag (sic) highlights brave women coming forward against sexual assault on the cover but names a man with sexual assault allegations against him runner up to person of the year. Really @TIME? #hypocrites.”

Some felt that Trump should have won the award for the work he has done within his administration.

“I do think Trump should be in for Person of the Year again because he is a wealthy man with a good family, a great business going, a powerful voice with many followers and supports the country for what it is,” sophomore Nathan Douglas said. “America is the best and strongest country in the world. [Trump] represents a good 98 percent of American people by wanting to be successful in life.”

On Nov. 17, TIME released their annual poll for Person of the Year, which allows readers to give their input, though the choice is ultimately up to the editors of the magazine. Among the top 10 for consideration were Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, The Dreamers, undocumented immigrants and North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong-un.

While opinions on the nominees varied, many feel TIME made the right choice in choosing “The Silence Breakers” as Person of The Year.

“Others, like Kaepernick, were also very influential, but in the end, I think TIME made the right decision,” senior Cassidy McGrane said. “I absolutely think they influenced us the most this year. They risked everything to come forward and speak up on this topic, especially going against some of the most powerful and famous men in the country. Rape and sexual assault were looked at as blemishes we had to cover up; the cases were quickly swept under the rug and women were afraid to come forward because of our culture’s horrific tendency to place blame on the victims. I hope that others who are still in silence may find the courage to tell their stories as well.”