WHERE ARE THE PROTESTS?

Could it ever be a red and black chapman sweater in the place of Undergrad student Mia Jimenez (left) who marched among the crowd at University of California, Irvine in solidarity with graduate students on Nov. 17, 2022. Photo Courtesy of Juliette Huy ore than 48,000 graduate students, faculty and system workers at the University of California dedicated six weeks to strike for better working conditions. There were hundreds of undergraduate students by their side.

But could any issue at Chapman demand a similar student call to action?

James Moore, the vice president of Chapman Democrats, doubts it.

“I think if there’s anything to be really concerned about, it’s the lack of interest in civic actions,” Moore said.

As other campuses demand action, protests and rallies are not common on Chapman’s campus. Chapman is historically a libertarian institution as shown by its former president James Doti, a disciple of Milton Friedman. So where are these public protests and acts of free speech on campus?

John Compton, political science professor, asked what social or political issue could get that kind of support from the community here at Chapman.

Moore questioned where individuals’ priorities lie:

“Try and think about your priorities when it comes to politics. And if your priorities are arguing about balloon stuff. You might want to take a step back,’ he said.

The University of California strike was effective. The strike earned a 66% pay increase over three years for University of California graduate workers and teacher assistants. Success in the eyes of many.

Moore answers what he sees as a hindrance to students raising these sorts of civic actions by identifying what he sees as a culture of anti-protest at Chapman saying “this is not all of Chapman, but parts of Chapman glorify anti-protesting action.” He cited the bust of Ronald Reagan on campus as an example.

Kate Robinson of Chapman Republicans disagrees with this in her experiences. She said Chapman administration has been open to protests and disagreements citing her club’s ability to host talks from even controversial speakers.

“Our admin is actually really accommodating, they let us host whatever speaker we want, I know, there are other colleges that push back on that kind of stuff,” Robinson said.

Robinson called back to a time when COVID-19 restrictions were strong and Chapman Republicans successfully fought to loosen them.

“I really think it is possible for students to make a change, we can do a lot and our fight with the COVID stuff really proved that,” Robinson said.

Compton saw an overlap between the two. He said students should put focus on things they can do as individuals and in small groups to make a change. He assessed that it would be more difficult for students at a private institution to do what the UCs did as private institutions, unlike state governments, don’t have as much flexibility in their decisions.

Professor Compton also notes a distinction in the kind of relationship employees and students have with an institution. He noted that those who rely on an institution for a paycheck are going to have more motivation and he does not see a similar policy goal being able to unite a group at Chapman.

Chapman likely won’t see a large-scale movement like what UC had, but some, like Robinson, feel it is important for the individual to engage politically to encourage a change in places they see need them, especially their own community.

While there are concerns about the lack of interest in civic actions and a culture of anti-protest at Chapman, both Moore and Robinson agree that social engagement is an important part of being in a community.

Robinson concluded:

“Just anything to spark conversation, I think is the best thing.”

Moore encouraged students to communicate their concerns by speaking up.

“So it’s very important. If you have issues if you have concerns, it really helps to have groups of people who can help you articulate those issues, and help you get what you need,” Moore said.