Students organize an anti-ICE protest on campus

On Wednesday, Feb. 25, Maryville College students, faculty and staff gathered on campus to protest ICE’s actions. Students and faculty walked Circle Drive with signs, chanting for an hour. The demonstration was organized by students Leilani Carden (‘27) and Michel Gonzalez (‘27). 

Students, faculty and staff gathered on Pearson’s Lawn at noon. Organizers had extra poster boards and supplies for people to make signs, if they had not already. After everyone was gathered, Carden and Gonzalez had opening remarks before beginning the walk around campus. 

Carden openly addressed those who did not attend. 

“If you weren’t here today, we will be asking you why. We want to know, and we want to have conversations with you,” said Carden. “We’re not judging you, but next time we do this, we want everyone out here.” 

Protesters walked from Pearson’s Lawn toward Bartlett Hall, and then around Circle Drive two times within the hour. 

Students protesting shared their reasons for showing up and what it meant to them. 

Jo Silva-Noah (‘29) said that he did not know if the protest was actually happening. He said he saw the original post about the demonstration on the Latinx Student Alliance’s Instagram page was deleted, so he thought it was canceled, since there was no other information about the protest elsewhere. 

“I am glad this is happening, even if it is contained [to private grounds,]” said Silva-Noah. 

Rayna Welsch (‘28) said how important it is to have a demonstration to show students who may feel alone that there are many other students and faculty on their side. 

“It can help them feel more connected to and more comfortable on this campus knowing that we stand with them and that they are not alone,” said Welsch. “Even if they can’t be at this event, they are here with us in heart.” 

Finch Peddicord (‘26) talked about the diversity at MC, and how it is hard to understand how one can attend a diverse campus, but support ICE raids and other institutions that may have direct impacts on diverse groups. 

“The violence in this country is absolutely deplorable, and I couldn’t imagine going to such a diverse institution and still supporting that,” said Peddicord. 

Emma Savory (‘29) shared what it meant to see students at MC organizing a demonstration such as that one, in the eyes of a first-year student. 

“This establishes that, yes, we’re freshmen, but we can understand that our voices are going to be heard,” said Savory. 

Josh Cornell (‘26) talked about how he saw the demonstration as important, especially on MC’s campus. 

“I feel very included to be here as a student, knowing that there are immigrants on campus, it means a lot to be in this space, and to have the opportunity to protest,” said Cornell. 

Sol Robinson (‘27) spoke about those not participating in the protest, those who were walking by and having no part in the demonstration. 

“I think a lot of people out here are walking past because they’re cowards,” said Robinson. “Our people have been taken; you are cowards.” 

Faculty members participating in the protest said what it meant to them and how they felt to see students organizing and demonstrating. 

Dr. Andrew Gunnoe, associate professor of sociology, attended the protest with a sign that read, “This is what democracy looks like!” 

Gunnoe shared what he felt seeing students using their right to protest. 

“I’m inspired to see students find a voice and find a way to make their point of view heard,” said Gunnoe. “To teach these issues of justice, I find this over-inspiring.” 

Aja Rodriguez, director of community and belonging, shared her pride in students who were demonstrating. 

“I’m proud of the students. Very, very proud,” said Rodriguez. “I am very proud of the way that they are conducting themselves.” 

Noah Bowman, director of the Academic Success Center, shared his support for students. 

“I support the student body and its initiatives, always and forever,” said Bowman. “I appreciate them exercising their right to a peaceful protest.” 

Ben Stubbs, the vice president of the College, who had a role in approving this demonstration on campus, shared his point of view. He said that their role is not to be a sponsor or endorse, but simply to allow. He said that if they allow it, they see it as a demonstration that follows the student demonstration policy and will not disrupt campus activity. 

“We think it’s great when students want to get together and express their views on things that are going on in the world,” said Stubbs. 

After the protest, Gonzalez thanked those who attended and addressed comments following the demonstration that questioned the importance and impact of a protest on a small campus. 

“While some may believe that our efforts did not create immediate change, I firmly believe that progress begins when people have the courage to speak out against injustice and advocate for what is right,” said Gonzalez. “No individual deserves to be taken from their community by masked agents, and families deserve to remain together with dignity and security. Our presence was a statement that humanity, compassion, and justice must always come first.”

Leilani Carden (‘27) and Michel Gonzalez (‘27), from left to right, give opening remarks before the protest begins. 

Photo courtesy of McKenna Marr 

Students stand in front of Pearson’s Hall holding protest signs. 

Photo courtesy of Carrie Jones