Sparked by the recent deaths of U.S. citizens and anti-ICE protests around the country, members of the Utah Tech community held public demonstrations voicing their views on national issues Jan. 27-29.
“When our government starts killing people, we need to do something just to let people know we think it’s not right,” Matt Smith-Lahrman, professor of sociology, said. “This is a kind of way to empower people, make people come together and see that other people think like us. This lets the powers be know that we’re angry.”
The three-day protests, organized in collaboration with the American Federation of Teachers, were planned, advertised and executed in one night, said Elizabeth Libero, an assistant professor of history and social sciences.
“Faculty members of the union decided to come to express our concern about excesses and lack of due process, lack of law and current events around our country,” Libero said. “We’re concerned about protecting the rights of immigrants and everyone in this country who is at risk. So, that includes people who aren’t immigrants, immigrants with legal status, immigrants who don’t have legal status.”
Although started by union members of the AFT, students and community members were welcome to join as well. The protest was advertised on Reddit and Facebook, though members of the community have posted photos and videos elsewhere.
“[The protest] has been peaceful,” said protest attendee Maive Bradshaw, a freshman general studies major from St. George. “I think most people come by and see that we’re just holding signs and we’re willing to talk.”
Poster boards, markers and pre-made posters were available to anyone who wanted to take part.
“I think resistance in times like these is an American tradition,” John Jones, a psychology professor and department chair, said. “We [Americans] stand up for each other, and whether they’re [people being stood up for] undocumented or U.S. citizens, we believe in community and taking care of each other.”
During the demonstrations, several individuals took up conversation with the protesters. While protesters expressed their views, they remained open to discussion throughout the demonstration. Participants took photos and connected with others who shared similar views.
“Believe your own eyes. Look at what’s happening to your fellow citizens and other parts of the country,” Jones said, offering this message to anyone uncertain about their cause. “Please, be as brave as you can and stand up. Speak out, at the very least. Just speak out. The more others hear from you, the more momentum we build. It might not seem like a big deal, but just letting your voice be heard can be really powerful.”
