OPINION: Support student protest, not a political agenda

Ohio University students counter-protest at Baker University Center on Sep. 16, 2021. Photo by Audrianna Wilde.

Bryce Hoehn is a senior studying political science and an opinion columnist for The New Political.

Please note that these views and opinions do not reflect those of The New Political.

Ohio University is no stranger to student protests. One of the most prominent examples in recent history was the Kaitlyn Bennet counter-protest I discussed last year. However, several other protests occur throughout the school year, often getting less media attention, such as the recent protests against a homophobic preacher outside Baker University Center and the counter-protest against anti-abortion advocates outside of Voight Hall. 

These protests have happened almost every year since I was a freshman at Ohio U. They generally draw a large and loud crowd, often shouting at right-wing activists. Specifically in the case of the Kaitlyn Bennet counter-protest, videos of counter-protestors circulated throughout right-wing social media, portraying the students as "intolerant" and "violent," thus promoting the goals of Kaitlyn Bennet and other right-wing activists. There has been a growing sentiment circulating amongst students that these right-wing activists want these reactions from us and that if we ignore them, they will go away. I strongly disagree with this idea and believe that it is far more important for students to worry about the impact these protestors have on Ohio University students rather than what people in right-wing echo chambers will think about the way we react.

I disagree with the premise that if preachers are ignored, they will go away. According to The Athens News, Ohio U alumni from as far back as the 1970s reportedly recall similar conservative groups preaching on campus. This far predates the modern social media echo chambers on which right-wing activists spread these videos, yet these groups have continued to demonstrate on campus as recently as last week.

I would also argue that standing up for our fellow students at Ohio U is far more important than what right-wing internet personalities say about us. Imagine the impact seeing these people on campus could have on a freshman transgender student or a woman contemplating abortion because she has determined it is the best option for her. Without student counter-protest, these students may get the impression that they are not welcome on campus or that other students agree with the hate spread by these right-wing activists. 

This would also likely keep them on campus longer and give them a platform to spread their often hateful beliefs onto passerby students who may not understand the impact these beliefs have on people. While these protestors have the right to free speech, they do not have a right to a platform, and Ohio U students also have the freedom to drown them out. Pressuring the right-wing activists off of campus as quickly as possible is more important than concerning ourselves with their reaction.

Videos of our protests going viral on right-wing social media is generally not a serious issue to students anyway. The corners of the internet where these videos are shared derogatorily are often echo chambers where people hold negative views of liberal voters and college students. An absence of Ohio U protest content will not radically change their minds. Alternatively, when these videos are shared in neutral settings, they are often overwhelmed with supportive comments, such as in this viral Tik Tok of the preacher protest. Another point often made is that these videos could turn away potential future students. This is not necessarily an issue because these protests demonstrate that those extreme right-leaning views are not popular amongst our student body. Additionally, those who decide to come to Ohio U who have positive reactions to these videos could make up the difference.

To clarify, it is still crucial that students consider the potential consequences of their actions at the protest. For example, a student confronting the preacher head-on could potentially face online harassment. If a student acts unlawfully at the protest, the police will likely intervene. But as long as students are aware that their actions may have consequences and keep themselves safe at these protests, there is no need to avoid counter-protests. It is far more important that we stand up for our fellow students rather than sitting back in fear of what the right will think.