Setonian Magazine
Students against climate change protest at courthouse The recent rise in protests around America has One of the biggest issues that many people have garnered lots of attention, both positive and negative. with protests is what gets left behind. "There is always Sept. 20 marks the date of a nationwide strike so much litter and trash," said Walls, "And that's really against climate change. Despite the massive turnout, frustrating because we're here to peacefully protest, so even in our small leaving things behind Greensburg and causing that community, there environmental impact were many people takes away from the who viewed the idea of the protest protests as a being peaceful." nuisance rather than Amongst these a Godsend. disturbances are "I was standing troubles from within. next to this lady who "There were was holding a sign people who were about recycling and trying to cause a a woman yelled out divide when others of her car, 'What if it were trying to give a was your kid,'" said speech. One woman Brianna Franzino, complained saying, one of the speakers 'Why are you doing this Protesters gather outside of the Westmoreland County Courthouse on Sept. from the Voice of here when you should 20. Members of the Seton Hill University and Greensburg community came Westmoreland. be out on the street,'" together to take part in the protest. Photo from A.Long/Setonian. Franzino stated said Chelsianna Havko, that, "That woman a sophomore at SHU. automatically assumed that we were there for some kind Havko was referring to her experience from of abortion protest... and that showed the ignorance of the Climate Strike protest outside of the Greensburg some people." Courthouse last Friday. Many protesters experience words and acts of hate "It was sad to see people who were fighting for the while they rally, and sometimes assumptions can be same goal dividing themselves." Havko said. made against them. "It's sad but I don't know if I've noticed a difference "I always get upset that there are so many police in our community since the protest," said Havko. "People officers, and they often stand around counter-protesters. just went about their regular day." It can be seen as a way to keep people separate, but it The negative side-effects, connotations, and also feels like those are the people that they are focused aftermaths can cause a rouse in anger, but protests can on protecting,� said Chloe Walls, a student at SHU who only make a difference if we allow them to. has been to protest in the past. Large organized protests are typically guarded by AMY LONG is a sophomore English major police officers in order to protect everyone's safety, but it with a minor in psychology. She is from the can be construed as an act against protesters. small town of Tyrone, Pa. She enjoys read"They usually stand with their backs to the countering, writing and skiing as well as being with protesters and face the protesters themselves, and that is friends and family. where I see them showing that they are on their side, not yours," said Walls.
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