Shippensburg University men and women united for a march Thursday afternoon in an effort to protect women’s and minority group’s rights.

SU’s first Women’s March, sponsored by the Women’s Center, was developed by the center’s interim director, Kelsey Roman, and her graduate student intern, Andrew Melendez. SU’s Women’s March followed similar nationwide marches and protests.

The office of Multicultural Student Affairs’ Rev. Diane Jefferson and assistant MSA Director Kapri Brown were also involved in the development process of the march.

“They have been a huge piece of pulling this together,” Roman said.

Carrying handmade banners and signs, students, faculty and members of the community marched from Horton Hall to the Ceddia Union Building’s amphitheater. During the march, participants chanted phrases such as “Whose campus? Our campus.” and “The people united will never be divided.”

Upon arrival, students were welcomed to share their thoughts during an open mic session. March attendees were also welcomed to write what the word “courage” meant to them on a foam tile to add to the Wall of Courage that the Women’s Center will continue to build throughout the remainder of the semester in Horton Hall.

SU sophomore Ali Laughman was the first to speak and spent her time at the mic describing what the word “peace” meant to her.

“Peace is a foundation, a destination, a calling,” Laughman said. “Peace is loving the outcome and knowing tomorrow the sun will rise and the birds will chirp.”

SU senior Jonathan Quann said he attended the march in support of the women in his life, and emphasized how important he believes women’s rights are.

“This really hits home because I have a mother [and] a niece, and women’s rights should not be taken lightly. They’re sacred,” Quann said.

SU’s march comes on the heels of a series of Women’s Marches across the nation in the days following President Donald Trump’s inauguration.

Male and female protesters alike have said they worry for the future of women, immigrants and various other minority group rights under a Trump administration. Many protesters believe the ability to obtain birth control at a low cost or have an abortion are now at stake.

Stephanie Erdice, interim director of the office of social equity, said people need to keep marching to create a conversation throughout society and make a difference in today’s world.

“Marches are the reaction of political action,” Erdice said. “If we want a movement, we have to move.”

Share