UVU Students Protesting DHS and ICE at Campus Career Fair: A Year After Tragedy
A year after a tragic shooting on campus, Utah Valley University (UVU) students once again took to the hallways to voice their opposition to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The protest, organized by the Civil Disobedience Club, was a response to the presence of DHS representatives at the school's career fair, alongside over 70 other organizations.
The Civil Disobedience Club, formed last fall, has been a driving force in advocating for various causes on campus. The group's formation was sparked by the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot on campus on September 10th.
Despite the recent tragedy, UVU's student body president, Kyle Cullimore, noted that political groups still feel welcome to engage in activities on campus. He emphasized the importance of representing the diverse beliefs of the student body, acknowledging that students hold varying political views.
The protest, which included quiet student protesters and occasional outbursts of profanity directed at ICE, aimed to create a sense of community among the participants. Civil Disobedience Club Co-President Harper McGee shared her fears of returning to campus after the shooting, emphasizing the desire for a supportive community.
The protest flyer, shared across various activism accounts, reached a wide audience, with 50,000 people exposed to the message. It was notably reposted by influential groups like Indivisible and BURRN.
However, not all students aligned with the protest. Sage Lloyd, the College Republicans' communications director, expressed enthusiasm for DHS's presence on campus, welcoming them to UVU's job recruitment events. The assassination of Charlie Kirk has intensified political discourse, with some students pointing fingers and blaming the radical left and transgender individuals.
Alexander Draper, a member of the Civil Disobedience Club, highlighted the impact of Kirk's assassination, stating that it 'exploded everything.' The event led to accusations and threats against various groups, causing concern among LGBT students and some conservatives.
Despite the controversy, some students, like Ella Smart, focused on protesting ICE, criticizing their actions as inhumane. Sariah Holmes, a member of Students for a Democratic Society and Civil Disobedience clubs, worked on creating 'ICE whistle kits' and voting rights flyers, collaborating with the American Federation of Teachers.
Josue Salazar, a psychology student, acknowledged the protesters' right to express themselves but questioned the effectiveness of their actions. He noted that most students have moved on from the assassination, viewing it as an isolated incident that won't recur.
The protest and its aftermath demonstrate the ongoing political tensions on campus, with students advocating for change while others choose to remain politically neutral.
