Religious demonstrators stood outside Ceddia Union Building (CUB) and Reisner Dining Hall for most of the day Tuesday, speaking to students about immodesty, homosexuality and premarital sex.
The group of two men, two women and a couple of children, do not belong to any certain denomination or church, according to James Ross, who was the first to address students.
“We’re just Bible believers,” he said.
Ross said they came to Shippensburg University to “warn” students.
“I don’t think you guys have any Christians on this campus to actually love you,” Ross said.
Students gathered around police barricades to interact with Ross’ group. University officials and SU Police officers were on site.
James Ross holds a sign "warning" students during Tuesday's demonstration outside the Ceddia Union Building (CUB).
According to Ross, the group has demonstrated on several other college campuses. Eventually, both women in the group addressed the crowd, after the men announced they would “allow” the women to speak. Both women held signs relating to submission to their husbands and belonging in the kitchen.
When Slate reporters attempted to ask questions, some of the demonstrators refused to say anything until the reporter told them what their sexuality was.
The demonstrators called many female attendees “sluts and whores” and spoke against things like premarital sex, homosexuality and feminism. They had several signs, one of which was made on the spot that read “Sluts deserve rape.”
The demonstrators held signs with various messages.
Around noon, the demonstrators had to relocate to the lawn next to Reisner Dining Hall because another group had the CUB amphitheater reserved, Stephanie Jirard SU chief equity, inclusion and compliance officer said. Officials told the demonstrators upon arrival that they would eventually need to move to another spot.
Students lined the barricades, interacting with the demonstrators. They also played music, sang and danced. The demonstrators left shortly after 4 p.m.
University officials have noted in the past that SU is a public university with an open campus and allows demonstrations.
The Pride Center, Women’s Center and Counseling Center can provide resources to students who may want to seek support after the demonstration.
Editor’s note: A more in-depth article with reactions from Shippensburg University officials and campus community members will appear on theslateonline.com later this week.
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