Over 100 Shippensburg University students gathered outside Reisner Dining Hall Friday afternoon to protest a group of religious advocates who preached misogynistic and homophobic ideologies.
Shippensburg University does not condone any messages shared by the three individuals who came to campus, but as a public university made of public property, it must give them the space to share their views.
Below are scenes from how students responded.
Update: In a statement to The Slate on April 21, SU Director of Communications and Marketing Megan Silverstrim said, "The university's priority is always the safety and well-being of the campus community. With that said, varying circumstances determine the university's response. We always want to ensure a safe environment for everyone."
Silverstrim also explained how the university's Expressive Activities policy specifically allocates the Reisner lawn, Student Recreation Complex hockey rink and grass area adjacent to the Dauphin Humanities Center H-cap lot as spaces where speakers may gather.
Two students hold a non-binary pride flag.
Several students of faith attempted to cite Bible verses they felt contradicted the messages being spewed by the protestors.
Seamus Landis and Kate Fogg comfort Chase Garrison in an emotional moment.
Junior Kate Fogg led student opposition to the protests and showed her disagreement.
As the protest continued over several hours, students showed up with LGBTQ+ pride flags to show their opposition.
Several members of the SU community attempted to open a dialogue with the protestors, to no avail.
Several SU students created impromptu signs to voice their opposition to these protests.
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