Texas university: This week, two protesters at Texas State University held signs saying “women are property” and condemning homosexuality. After the U.S. election, they provoked outrage among students of all parties.
The Official Street Preachers men brought offensive signs to San Marcos. They gathered students near the campus’s Fighting Stallions statue, who were visibly upset by the signs.
Eva De Arment, 19, responded to the protest after seeing images on social media. A sign reading, “There is still love in the world!” was made with pen and paper. The protesters saw her holding it, encouraging her classmates to unite rather than hate.
All campus students disapproved. According to 21-year-old psychology major Evelyn Lopez, recent political events emboldened protesters. She said these signs after the election hurt. “It made me feel like our rights and voices are threatened.”
The protest prompted many students to chant “love wins” and “love over hate”. Student from different political backgrounds joined the chants to show solidarity.
David Gibson, a local jiu-jitsu studio owner promoting his business on campus, joined the counter-protest. Due to the hateful messages, he and his team held up signs reading “Women are prosperity” and “Protect her independence.”
Texas State University president Kelly Damphousse called the messages “hateful” and “unwelcome.” He explained that the university must allow free speech in public spaces but does not endorse such messages. Damphousse advised students to seek campus mental health services due to the event’s emotional impact.
Damphousse stressed that such behavior has no place on campus as the university considers legal action. He wrote, “I know yesterday was a lot for some of us.” Not being okay today is okay. You don’t have to face this challenge alone.”
Students want more respect and understanding after the protest, hoping that unity and compassion can counter the signs’ division.