A bold stand for freedom: UVU students take a stand against DHS and ICE.
In a powerful display of civil disobedience, Utah Valley University (UVU) students gathered outside their campus career fair, protesting the presence of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This protest, organized by the Civil Disobedience Club, adds a layer of complexity to the already charged political atmosphere on campus.
The club's formation last fall was a direct response to the tragic assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on campus. Student body president Kyle Cullimore, who was present during the shooting, described the event as "the most high-intensity place I've ever been." Despite the trauma, Cullimore emphasized the importance of allowing political groups to express their views, stating, "I hope I've represented all our students well."
While some students chose to protest, others, like psychology major Josue Salazar, believe that moving on is the best course of action. Salazar, who witnessed Kirk's assassination, said most students have "moved on" and are not worried about similar incidents recurring.
But here's where it gets controversial: the assassination's impact varies among students. For some, like Ella Smart, the memory of Kirk's death fuels their protest against ICE, which she believes lacks humanity. On the other hand, Sariah Holmes, a member of Students for a Democratic Society and the Civil Disobedience Club, has focused on creating "ICE whistle kits" and voting rights flyers.
And this is the part most people miss: the assassination's fallout has divided the campus. While some students, like Harper McGee, co-president of the Civil Disobedience Club, felt scared to return to campus, others, like Sage Lloyd, communications director for UVU's College Republicans, welcome DHS with open arms. Lloyd stated, "We're glad DHS is on our campus."
The assassination of Charlie Kirk has undoubtedly turned up the heat on political discourse at UVU. Alexander Draper, secretary of the Civil Disobedience Club, described it as an event that "exploded everything." Fingers were pointed, and blame was cast on various groups, creating a tense atmosphere on campus.
So, what do you think? Is this protest a necessary step towards change, or is it a distraction from the real issues? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's spark a respectful discussion.
