On Sunday, Oct. 25, students and staff witnessed a group of around 20 cars with Trump, American and confederate flags parading around campus. They continued their parade throughout Berrien Springs and the surrounding areas. The event came as a shock to many individuals after the email prohibiting partisan campaigning on campus was sent out to students. Campus Safety believed that no Andrews students or staff were involved in the parade–although it appears that a couple students tagged after it to see what was happening. While students and staff have witnessed a heated and contentious presidential election, individuals on campus have maintained a positive level of respect for one another regardless of their political opinions and standings.
As the parade happened around campus, several students offered eyewitness accounts to the event. Caryn Cruz (sophomore, English) was sitting in her car when she noticed the group of cars driving around campus. She explained, “The parade basically consisted of a number of cars, vans, trucks, and even a bus. They all had either Trump or American flags that they had attached to their vehicles, and sadly a Confederate flag as well. They kept honking their horns and parading around campus with their cars.”
In the car with Ms. Cruz was Isabella Rappette (sophomore, finance) who explained, “My friend and I thought it would be interesting to try and join the parade to see everything up closer and we kind of joined as a joke!” Initially, they both wondered if Andrews students were responsible for the parade. However, after following the parade for over 30 minutes, they discovered who was involved. Ms. Cruz stated, “The cars we had been following had pulled into multiple driveways near one another. We figured that the people who had actually participated in this weren’t actually students from the university, but rather members from the community who had stopped by our campus.”
Several weeks ago, Michael Nixon, Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, sent out an email providing advice for staff and students on how to engage with and participate in this presidential election. Every student has the right and should use that right to advocate their political beliefs and be engaged in the election. However, they should be mindful and respectful of how they go about it. Ms. Rappette stated, “Everyone should be able to discuss in a respectful manner their political beliefs. It is important for us, as a community and country that allows us to express ourselves, to be able to say what we believe and why. As such a diverse campus, we should take advantage of hearing each other out. Every conversation should be respectful of the other person’s opinion.”
While we may not all share similar political beliefs, there is no better time than now to come together as a campus where everyone feels safe to express their opinions in a respectful manner, and where every voice is acknowledged and respected. It is critical that as this election draws to a close and a president is elected, we continue to treat each other with civility, respect and love regardless of our political opinions and party associations.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.