OGDEN DEMANDS AN ICE MELT
On Jan. 30, Ogden residents gathered on the corner of Grant Avenue and 25th Street, on the Municipal Garden grounds to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The protesters gathered around 3 p.m. and had speakers telling personal stories as well as necessary steps for them as a group to be taking against the current United States administration. Speakers finished at 4 p.m., and ended by saying take to the streets and march around Ogden to keep the flame going. Protestors walked around the city’s streets until around sundown.
In the crowds and on the surrounding streets there was very little police attendance. However, on the building across the street, on top of the Ogden Social Security office, were two officers looking over the crowd in body armor and telescopes.
With over 700 people attending the corner was filled with giant signs. Signs reading “THIS ICE NEEDS MELTING” A reference to shutting down the Immigration and Customs Enforcement. A cartoon drawing of President Donald Trump with lettering above his head stating “NO KINGS.”
Though the march ended at sundown, the gathering made clear that participating protesters’ opposition to ICE and the current administration remains active, visible and rooted in their community.
Story and Photos by MAX YOUNG Photographer
TOP: A protest speaker uses a microphone and gives more instructions to the crowd of protestors around her on Jan. 30.
BOTTOM LEFT: A young boy in a wagon shouts with the crowd on Jan. 30.
BOTTOM RIGHT: Protestors show off their handmade signs along Historic 25th St. on Jan. 30.
OGDEN EXIGE QUE ICE SE DERRITA
Traducido por DAVID ROMAN AROS
Co-Editor
Historia y fotos por MAX YOUNG
Fotógrafo
El 30 de enero, los residentes de Ogden se reunieron en la esquina de Grant Avenue y 25th Street, en los terrenos del Jardín Municipal, para protestar contra el Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas.
Los manifestantes se reunieron alrededor de las 3 de la tarde y contaron con oradores que relataron historias personales y explicaron las medidas necesarias que debían tomar como grupo contra la administración actual de los Estados Unidos. Los oradores terminaron a las 4 de la tarde y concluyeron diciendo que salieran a las calles y marcharan por Ogden para mantener viva la llama. Los manifestan-
tes caminaron por las calles de la ciudad hasta el atardecer.
En la multitud y en las calles circundantes había muy poca presencia policial. Sin embargo, en el edificio de enfrente, en la azotea de la oficina de la Seguridad Social de Ogden, había dos agentes observando a la multitud con chalecos antibalas y prismáticos.
Con más de 700 personas presentes, la esquina se llenó de carteles gigantes. Carteles con el lema “THIS ICE NEEDS MELTING” (Este hielo debe derretirse), en referencia al cierre del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas. Una caricatura del presidente Donald Trump con las palabras “NO KINGS” (No hay reyes) escritas sobre su cabeza.
Aunque la marcha terminó al atardecer, la concentración dejó claro que la oposición de los manifestantes participantes al ICE y a la actual administración sigue activa, visible y arraigada en su comunidad.
IZQUIERDA: Una pancarta de protesta con una caricatura del presidente Donald Trump llevando una corona con la inscripción “No Kings” (No a los reyes) sostenida por una mujer entre la multitud de manifestantes el 30 de enero.
ARRIBA A LA DERECHA: Un manifestante mayor está sentado en su andador mientras sostiene un cartel que dice “DUMP TRUMP” (Fuera Trump) rodeado de otros manifestantes el 30 de enero.
MEDIO A LA DERECHA: Miembros de la multitud de manifestantes escuchan a un orador durante una protesta el 30 de enero.
ABAJO A LA DERECHA: Un orador se dirige a la multitud mientras los manifestantes se reúnen a su alrededor para escucharle, el 30 de enero.
ARRIBA A LA IZQUIERDA: Un manifestante enmascarado sostiene su pancarta pintada con spray el 30 de enero.
ARRIBA A LA DERECHA: Una mujer habla con otra persona de la multitud mientras sostiene su cartel de protesta el 30 de enero.
ABAJO: Los manifestantes sostienen una pancarta con el lema “ABOLIR ICE AHORA, NO A ICE EN UTAH” el 30 de enero en la histórica calle 25.
By KAYLI JACOB Reporter
OGDEN COMMUNITY PROTESTS ICE IN THE STREETS
Roughly 80 protestors gathered Jan. 30 to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement. They assembled outside the Municipal building in Ogden at noon, with protestors on either side of the street. Some stood in the gutter waving signs and cheering as cars drove past honking. Others hung back, observing or protesting from the sidewalk. Many drivers stuck out their phones to record and honked repeatedly as they drove past. Some could be seen smiling as they drove away.
The protestors chanted “ICE out,” and “No ICE, no KKK, no fascist U.S.A.” Along with the chanting, music could be heard from the gathering. One song played was “In the Streets of Minneapolis” by Bruce Springsteen. One woman wore a face covering and sunglasses, similar to the attire of ICE agents. Some peo-
ple also wore face masks, but most did not. One man who wore a face mask said he was a federal agent himself and thus did not want his identity shared, but that he hoped change would come from the protest.
“I’m really happy to see the turn out,” protestor Angela Chobeka said. She said she was expecting less participation given the other protests the day before. She said she wanted the people of Ogden to know that they had support and make sure immigrants felt safe. With her was Kim James, both women are running for the Utah House of Representatives in the next cycle.
“People are concerned about the authoritarian overreach of our government and the lack of safety for citizens and immigrants of our country,” James said, “ We want to express our dismay and our displeasure with the way the Department of Homeland Security is treating people.”
Both of these protestors commented on the wide array of ages attending the protest. They noted children as young as 6, as well as elderly protestors. Even a few dogs were in attendance.
Among the flags for the U.S. and other countries, were several signs held by protesters. They read “Elected Republicans end this now!”, “We the people demand justice and equality for all” and “Hate does not make America great!”, among many others.
There was little police activity during the protest, though at least two officers did walk past, and protestors did not march, but stayed outside of the Municipal building.
One protester who referred to himself as “Puffin” did not hold a sign rather sat to the side painting a storm. Another stood in the cement median of the road and appeared to be reading something from his phone into a megaphone, though it was difficult to hear
him over the traffic.
Two other gatherings, the Indivisible Ogden Rally and ICE watch training, were said to be held later that day. Some protesters said they planned to attend these meetings as well.
LEFT: A family in the protest crowd holds signs and looks directly into the camera lens on Jan. 30.
RIGHT: Crowd of protestors mingle amongst themselves in between chants on Jan. 30.
thesignpostwsu.com
LA COMUNIDAD DE OGDEN PROTESTA SOBRE ICE EN LAS CALLES
Traducido por
LUNA MALAGON SOLORZANO Traductora
Por KAYLI JACOB Reportera
Se reunieron aproximadamente 80 manifestantes el 30 de enero para protestar contra el Servicio de Inmigracion y Control de Aduanas. Se reunieron afuera del edificio municipal de Ogden en la tarde, con manifestantes a cada lado de la calle. Algunos se paraban en la plaza agitando carteles y vitoreando mientras los carros pasaban tocando el claxon. Otros se quedaban atrás observando o protestando cerca de la acera. Muchos conductores sacaban sus teléfonos para grabar y tocaban el claxon rápidamente al pasar. Se podía ver personas en los autos sonriendo mientras se alejaban. Los manifestantes coreaban “ICE fuera”
Una de las canciones que sonaron fue “In the Streets of Minneapolis” por Bruce Springsteen. Una mujer llevaba mascarilla y gafas de sol, parecidas a los agentes de ICE. Algunas personas usaron máscaras, pero la mayoría no lo hizo. Un hombre en la multitud que estaba
usando una máscara dijo que él mismo era agente federal y que, por lo tanto, no quería que se revelara su identidad, pero que esperaba que la protesta trajera un cambio.
“Estoy muy contenta de ver cómo salió todo”, dijo la manifestante Angela Chobeja.
Ella dijo que esperaba menos participación dado por las protestas de días anteriores, dijo que quiere que las personas de Ogden sepan que tienen apoyo y que los inmigrantes se pueden sentir a salvo. Con ella estaba Kim James, ambas mujeres se presentan como candidatas a la Cámara de Representantes de Utah en la próxima legislatura.
“La gente está preocupada por el excesivo autoritarismo de nuestro gobierno y por la falta de seguridad para los ciudadanos e inmigrantes de nuestro país”, dijo James. “Queremos expresar nuestro descontento y nuestra indignación con la forma en que el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional está tratando a las personas”.
Ambos manifestantes comentaron sobre la amplia variedad de edades presentes en la protesta. Señalaron la presencia de niños de tan solo 6 años, así como de personas mayores. Incluso algunos perros asistieron al evento.
Entre las banderas de Estados Unidos y de otros países, había varios carteles sostenidos por los manifestantes. En ellos se podía leer: “¡Republicanos electos, pongan fin a esto ahora!”, “Nosotros, el pueblo, exigimos justicia e igualdad para todos” y “¡El odio no hace grande a Estados Unidos!”, entre muchos otros.
Hubo poca presencia policial durante la protesta, aunque al menos dos oficiales pasaron caminando por el lugar. Los manifestantes no marcharon, sino que permanecieron fuera del edificio municipal.
Un manifestante que se identificó como “Puffin” no llevaba un cartel; en cambio, se sentó a un lado pintando una tormenta. Otro se encontraba de pie en el separador de cemento de la carretera y parecía leer algo desde su teléfono a través de un megáfono, aunque era difícil escucharlo debido al tráfico.
Se informó que más tarde ese mismo día se llevarían a cabo otras dos concentraciones: el Indivisible Ogden Rally y una capacitación de ICE Watch. Algunos manifestantes dijeron que planeaban asistir también a estas reuniones.
ARRIBA: Una oradora termina de hablar y le entrega el micrófono a otra oradora el 30 de enero.
ABAJO: Los manifestantes se reúnen en un gran grupo para escuchar a los oradores el 30 de enero.
TO MAP OR NOT TO MAP: PROP 4 DECIDES THE FATE OF UTAHNS
By HENRY CRAIG Reporter
A debate is being fought in Utah’s streets, in its court houses and in its Capitol. The results will go on to affect not just Utahns, but will ripple across the nation. The core of this conflict is congressional redistricting, the process by which the legislature lays out boundaries that dictate who your representative is and who you are able to vote for.
This fight started in 2018, when a ballot initiative was voted in by a slim majority of Utahns. This ballot initiative, known as Proposition 4, sought to end gerrymandering. It did this by creating an advisory committee who could propose congressional maps for the legislature to vote on, and by implementing a set of rules that all congressional maps would have to follow.
The legislature went on to pass SB200, a bill that changed how Proposition 4 worked, and allowed the legislature to implement a congressional map that failed the standards set out in Proposition 4. This resulted in a lawsuit from Mormon Women for Ethical Government, League of Women Voters of Utah and seven individuals.
Ultimately, the Utah Supreme Court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, overturning SB200 and upholding Proposition 4. This resulted in a lower court striking down the legislature’s map. The legislature held a special session to create a replacement congressional map that
was also struck down under Proposition 4. The judge went on to implement a new congressional map in compliance with Proposition 4.
This action has sparked new debate surrounding the constitutionality of a judge implementing a congressional map. “When Judge (Dianna) Gibson came out with her ruling and decided to not use the maps provided by the legislature or even by the Independent Redistricting Advisory Committee, she picked one that was created by the plaintiffs in a lawsuit back in 2021, I want to say. That, to me, signified that was judicial overreach,” said Chace Smith, president of the Weber State University College Republicans.
This characterization does not go unquestioned. “The legislature was given the opportunity to present a map that complied with Prop 4. So, Judge Gibson basically put Prop 4 back in place earlier, late in August, I think it was last year,” said Emma Petty Addams, executive director for the Mormon Women for Ethical Government. “Then the Utah legislature had an amount of time to submit a map that complied with Prop 4, and the map that they submitted did not comply.”
The question now faced is whether or not judges have the authority to implement a congressional map. The legislature holds that Article 9 of Utah’s Constitution gives the authority to redistrict solely to the legislature. Whereas supporters of Proposition 4 argue that judges have a responsibility to ensure a map is in
place and complies with the laws. As of now, the legislature has not appealed this decision, so the current law of the land is that the legitimate congressional map was the one set out by Judge Gibson.
Part of the reason Proposition 4 is controversial is its partisan political implications. Under the current congressional map appointed by Judge Gibson, Utah will have three Republican leaning districts and one Democratic leaning district. The maps that were struck down under Proposition 4 would have four Republican districts and no Democratic districts. On a national level, redistricting has become more contentious with both California and Texas engaging in partisan redistricting in an attempt to gain seats in the House of Representatives.
Some conservatives unsatisfied with the court’s decisions have taken it upon themselves to shut Proposition 4 down the same way it was implemented, a ballot initiative. Organizations like the College Republicans have been collecting signatures. “That signature is going to go towards putting Proposition 4 back on the ballot with the intent to eventually repeal it,” Smith said. If enough signatures are collected, Utahns will get the opportunity to vote to keep or repeal Proposition 4.
Better Boundaries, the organization that originally created Proposition 4, has raised concerns that individuals were not properly informed as to what they were signing when asked to sign the ballot initiative.
“We’ve heard a lot of concerning reports that signature gatherers have not been honest with people,” said Elizabeth Rasmussen, executive director of Better Boundaries. Better Boundaries has undertaken its own campaign to help people retract their signature.
The College Republicans at Weber State have taken care to properly inform citizens as to what they are singing. “I mean, I’m in the army. I’ve signed contracts before. I know the hidden stuff that’s in there when the recruiter didn’t tell me everything. I want to make sure that people understand that if they sign this, this doesn’t repeal it. This puts it on the ballot. But yes, the intent is in the end to repeal it,” Smith said. Rasmussen’s concerns mostly lay with an organization called Patriot Grass Tourists, who rely on out of state signature gatherers that are likely not aware of what exactly Proposition 4 is.
The tussle over Proposition 4 is ongoing, with recent bills like SB134, indicating that this controversy is far from over.
LEFT: Students walk from the OGX station to Shepherd Union as they get across campus.
RIGHT: Students walk through Shepherd Union in between classes.
WEBER STATE DANCE TEAM WINS ANOTHER NATIONAL TITLE
By GRAYSON FREESTONE Asst. Editor
By GAVIN NELSON Editor
Weber State University dance team took home the Universal Dance Association (UDA) Division 1 Hip Hop national championship on Jan. 24.
Taking place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida, the Wildcats finished with a score of 94.1167 for the gold medal. They won convincingly over second-place St. John’s University with a score of 92.5333 and third-place Utah Valley University with 91.4333.
This is their fourth national title in the past six years and their sixth overall in Hip Hop. They also performed well in the Jazz finals, placing third with a score of 93.1667. Grand Canyon University placed first with a score of 95.8667, followed by California State Univer-
sity, Fullerton with a score of 94.0833.
Last year, they won the National Dance Association (NDA) Division 1 Jazz national title with a score of 98 and the Grand National title with a score of 97.6571.
After competing in the NDA for the past few seasons, the Wildcats decided to compete in the UDA, widely regarded as the “Super Bowl of Dance.”
“We wanted to show the world what Weber is made of,” dance Coach Erica Jordan said. “Our motto was ‘We have nothing to prove, everything to show.’”
Jordan’s younger brother, Carter Williams, returned to the team after serving on the dance troupe for “Dancing with the Stars”.
“He is our head captain, so when you lose a head captain for a minute, it is just tough,” Jordan said. “He just brings such a light and an energy, and he really makes a difference in the studio, as well as outside.”
“This whole entire season has been so unconventional, but one of the best years of my
life,” Williams said. “Being able to not only live out my dreams professionally, but then being able to come back on a collegiate level and then achieving one of my dreams out on that UDA floor, it was indescribable.”
Weber State University’s Dance Team wins the UDA National Championship on Jan. 18.
EL EQUIPO DE BAILE DE WEBER STATE GANA OTRO TÍTULO NACIONAL
Traducido por VICTORIA HERNANDEZ
Co-Editora
Por GRAYSON FREESTONE Editor Assistente
Por GAVIN NELSON Editor
El equipo de baile de la Universidad de Weber State trajo a casa el título del campeonato nacional de la Universal Dance Association (UDA) en la División I en Hip Hip el 24 de enero.
Tomando en cuenta que este evento tuvo lugar en el ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex en Orlando, Florida, los Wildcats terminaron con un puntaje de 94.1167 para la medalla de oro. Ganaron de forma contundente al segundo clasificado, la Universidad de St. John’s, con una puntuación de 92.5333, y al tercero, la Universidad de Utah Valley, con
91.4333.
Este es su cuarto título nacional en los últimos 6 años y su sexto overall en Hip Hop.
También tuvieron un buen espectáculo en las finales de Jazz, obteniendo el tercer lugar con un puntaje de 93.1667. La Universidad de Grand Canyon obtuvo el primer lugar con un puntaje de 95.8667, seguido por la Universidad de California State, Fullerton con un puntaje de 94.0833.
En años pasados, ellos ganaron el título del campeonato nacional del National Dance Association (NDA) en la División I en Jazz con un puntaje de 98 y el título de Grand National con un puntaje de 97.6571.
Después de competir en la NDA por las últimas temporadas, los Wildcats decidieron competir en la UDA, ampliamente considerado como el “Super Bowl de baile”.
“Queríamos enseñarle al mundo de qué está hecho Weber State”, la entrenadora de baile Erica Jordan dijo. “Nuestro motto fue ‘No
tenemos que comprobar nada, enseñemos todo’”.
El hermano menor de Jordan, Carter William, retornó al equipo después de haber servido en la compañía de baile “Dancing with the Stars”.
“Él es nuestro capitán, entonces cuando lo pierdes, es muy difícil”, Jordan señaló. “El trae una luz y energía, y éel de verdad marca una diferencia en el estudio, como también fuera de él”.
“Esta temporada ha sido completamente inconvencional, pero uno de los mejores años de mi vida”, dijo Williams. “Tener la oportunidad de no solo vivir mis sueños profesionales, sino también poder regresar a nivel universitario y después lograr unos de mis sueños en el piso de la UDA, fue indescriptible”.
El equipo de animadoras de la Universidad Estatal de Weber celebra su victoria en el Campeonato Nacional de la UDA.
WEBER STATE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL WINS ITS FIRST CONFERENCE GAME OF THE SEASON
By GRAYSON FREESTONE
Asst. Editor
Weber State University’s women’s basketball team returned home for a quick 1-game stand against California State University, Sacramento, on Feb. 2, who had beaten them almost a month earlier, 60–39.
The Wildcats faced the Big Sky’s No. 2 defense, allowing 59.4 points per game. This presented a significant challenge for the ‘Cats, who ranked second-to-last in points per game with 63.2.
Hannah Robbins’ block and two steals and Antoniette Emma-Nnopu’s seven points helped them to a quick 12–0 lead.
“We needed that to get started and just keep the energy up,” said Robbins. “We hit some big shots. I think just having the confidence in each other to take those shots and to keep shooting and keep pressuring.”
Quick starts were something Head Coach Jenteal Jackson had pointed to as a reason for the team’s struggles.
The Hornets’ offense surfaced with eight points in the final six minutes of the first quarter, but the Wildcats took a 19–8 lead into the second.
Sac State opened the second on a 9–2 run to pull within four, 21–17. Jackson quickly called a timeout at 6:12, which put her team back in its first-quarter mode.
Robbins hit two 3-pointers and a jumper to finish the quarter, helping her team to 15
about how we came this far, just stay composed. And it all starts on defense; when our defense is going well, then we’re able to put that into our offense.”
Lanae Billy hit the first Wildcat field goal on a 3-pointer to take a 64–61 lead with 2:05 left, which they rode with that strong defense, to a 72–64 win; their first conference win of the season.
“I’m so proud of the way they showed up tonight,” Jackson said. “When it goes that way the first half (of the season), it would be really easy to fold and just quit right now.”
Weber finished with four players in double figures in points: Emma-Nnopu with 19, Lauro with 17, Robbins with 16 and Billy with 12.
“I think all those kids are more than capable,” Jackson said. “So for them to be able to display that is just a breath of fresh air.”
points to end the half. Meanwhile, the Hornets kept pace with 13 points. The Wildcats entered the half with a 36–30 lead.
Robbins’ 14 points and Emma-Nnopu’s 10 points led the team.
Paris Lauro came out on fire, scoring the Wildcats’ first 11 points of the second half. She nailed a jumper, followed by three straight 3-pointers. While the offense cooled off after
that, they took a 56–49 lead into the final quarter.
The offense remained cold for much of the fourth quarter. The Wildcats’ five total points in the first eight minutes all came on free throws.
The Hornets tied the game three times between the five- and two-minute marks.
“We had worked so hard those first 33 minutes,” Robbins said. “It was just a lot of talking
Robbins also spoke of the team’s excitement in seeing multiple players carry the team at different points. “I think it just helped us support each other more. We’re jumping around, and we’re having fun; we play better basketball. It’s fun to celebrate each other; it’s fun to just have that confidence in yourself and know that teammates have that in you.”
Weber State University’s women’s basketball guard Makenna Shaffer-Laur (#13) takes a shot at the basket.
SHORT-HANDED WILDCATS FALL TO RED-HOT HORNETS IN SACRAMENTO
By GAVIN NELSON Editor
After winning the game against Idaho State University on Jan. 31, the Weber State University men’s basketball team traveled to California’s state capital to take on the California State University, Sacramento Hornets.
The two teams met earlier in the season at the Dee Events Center, where the Wildcats won 95–82 on Jan. 3.
Since that loss, the Hornets went 5–3, going undefeated at home, including defeating both Montana schools. Star player Mikey Williams, who scored 26 points against the Wildcats in their last meeting, has taken up the role of second option under senior guard Prophet Johnson.
The Wildcats were without two of their main contributors, with Jace Whiting out for a few weeks with a foot injury and Trevor Hennig
missing his second straight game due to illness.
The game started close with the Wildcats down by one with 8:30 left in the half, but the Hornets went on a 28–8 run to end the half, leading 53–32 at the break. This run included five 3-pointers from four different Hornets players.
The Wildcats began to crawl back, going on a 12–1 run, making 11 straight shots, finishing off with a Viljami Vartiainen 3-pointer to bring the ‘Cats within 11 points of the Hornets.
However, the Hornets found their groove again and kept the game just out of the Wildcats’ reach.
As the final buzzer sounded, Sac State left the gym with a 104–90 win over Weber State.
Despite only scoring two points in the first half, Tijan Saine Jr. finished the night as the Wildcats’ leading scorer with 22 points. Nigel Burris finished with 17 points along with
eight rebounds and Malek Gomma had a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Viljami Vartiainen, who has historically performed well against Sacramento State, with his top four scoring nights of his career being against the Hornets, had a tough night, going 2–8 from the 3-point line and finishing with eight points, his lowest point total since the game against Utah State University on Nov. 11, 2025.
On the Sac State side, Johnson finished with 35 points, which tied his career high. Williams finished with 11 points.
The Wildcats now head back home to play the University of Northern Colorado on Feb. 5, followed by Northern Arizona University on Feb. 7.
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Weber State University forward and center Nigel Burris (#5) plans his next move while trying to keep the ball away from Sacramento State University players on Feb. 2.
Delta Snow Goose Festival Delta Snow Goose Festival
Feb. 20-21, 2026 Feb. 20-21, 2026
Fair
Fair
R.J. Law Center
11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
R.J. Law Center Fri 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
9 a.m - 4 p.m.
9 a.m - 4 p.m.
Quilt Show/Classes
Quilt Show/Classes
@ Millard Co. Fair Bldg. 2/19 1 - 6 p.m.
@ Millard Co. Fair Bldg.
2/19 1 - 6 p.m.
2/2 1 a.m. - 6 p.m.
2/21 1 a.m. - p.m.
2/20 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 2/21 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Goose Observation
Goose Observation
@ Sherwood Shores Sat. 8 a.m. to flyaway
@ Sherwood Shores Sat. 8 a.m. to flyaway
Goose Chase 5K Gunnison Bend Res. Public Beach 2/21 Wild Goose Chase 5K Gunnison Bend Res. Public Beach 2/21
Interested
fee
will be holding open deliberations Jan. 30 and Feb. 6 Noon - 4 p.m. in the Shepherd Union, Room 404A, to decide where your student fees will go beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.
weber.edu/student-access-success/student-fees.html
INSTITUTE STUDENTS STAY CONNECTED DESPITE RELOCATION
By EMERSON MANNING Reporter
When students returned to Weber State University for the spring semester, Weber Institute looked a little different. Due to testing and assessments being conducted on the institute building, faculty and students were invited to temporarily relocate, scattering classes, offices and gatherings across campus and nearby meetinghouses for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
For many students, the announcement initially brought confusion. “It was hard not having a home base,” student Farrah Bowthorpe said.
Despite the loss of a central location, both students and faculty quickly adapted. According to Scott Wilde, director of the Weber Institute, the transition has been “surprisingly painless.”
Wilde credited the resilience and professionalism of the faculty and staff, many of
whom set up offices in temporary spaces and continued meeting in person without complaint. “Everyone has been willing to lift where they stand,” Wilde said. “I honestly could not paint a more optimistic picture.”
Despite the changes, attendance numbers aren’t down as much as initially predicted. Compared to this time last year, institute enrollment is down by about 140 students, a smaller decrease than anticipated given the relocation. Compared to two years ago, enrollment is only down 40 students. “Much more positive than we anticipated,” Wilde said.
For students, the relocation has offered unexpected benefits. Bowthorpe said that being scattered across campus has helped students branch out and meet new people. She said that it’s given students an opportunity to reflect and realize how much they really love attending institute; they’re willing to move everywhere and give them an opportunity to branch out even further.
Fourth-year institute student Nathan John-
son echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that institute classes have remained a grounding presence despite the changes. “There’s a lot of crazy going on in the world,” Johnson said. “Having the classes, always learning about Christ and how to make good connections with others, it just helps remind me that there is good in this world.”
Johnson also praised the faculty for their consistency during the transition. “The teachers at the institute, they’re all amazing,” he said. When given the news they would be relocating, the teachers started preparing; figuring out how to make this a special experience for their students.
Both students and leadership emphasized that the institute’s strength has never depended on a building. “The institute was never the building,” Johnson said. “The institute is the people.”
Wilde hopes that those unfamiliar with institute classes can better understand its purpose through this experience. “Institute is a
place for young adults with complicated and busy lives to find refuge,” he said. “A place for them to connect with friends and with God. I don’t know a young adult who is not in need of that in their life right now.”
Even without a central home, the Weber Institute continues to serve as that place of connection proving that community, faith and belonging can thrive anywhere.
A sign outside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Instititute of Religion building announces their remodel, Feb. 2.
LOS ESTUDIANTES DEL INSTITUTO PERMANECEN CONECTADOS A PESAR DEL TRASLADO
Traducido por DAVID ROMAN AROS
Co-Editor
Por EMMERSON MANNING
Reportera
Se reunieron aproximadamente 80 manifestantes el 31 de Enero para protestar contra el Servicio de Inmigracion y Control de Aduanas. Se reunieron afuera del edificio municipal de Ogden en la tarde, con manifestantes a cada lado de la calle. Algunos se paraban en la plaza agitando carteles y vitoreando mientras los carros pasaban tocando el claxon. Otros se quedaban atrás observando o protestando cerca de la acera. Muchos conductores sacaban sus teléfonos para grabar y tocaban el claxon rápidamente al pasar. Se podía ver personas en los autos sonriendo mientras se alejaban. Los manifestantes coreaban “ICE fuera” y “NO al ICE, no al KKK, no a los fascistas de EE.UU” junto con los cánticos, se podía escuchar música que venía de la concentración. Una de las canciones que sonaron fue “in the streets of Minneapolis” por Bruce Springsteen. Una mujer llevaba mascarilla y gafas de sol, parecidas a los agentes de ICE. Algunas
personas usaron máscaras, pero la mayoría no lo hizo. Un hombre en la multitud que estaba usando una máscara dijo que él mismo era agente federal y que, por lo tanto, no quería que se revelara su identidad, pero que esperaba que la protesta trajera un cambio.
“Estoy muy contenta de ver cómo salió todo”, dijo la manifestante Angela Chobeja. Ella dijo que esperaba menos participación dado por las protestas de días anteriores, dijo que quiere que las personas de Ogden sepan que tienen apoyo y que los inmigrantes se pueden sentir a salvo. Con ella estaba Kim James, ambas mujeres se presentan como
candidatas a la Cámara de Representantes de Utah en la próxima legislatura.
“La gente está preocupada por el excesivo autoritarismo de nuestro gobierno y por la falta de seguridad para los ciudadanos e inmigrantes de nuestro país”, dijo James. “Queremos expresar nuestro descontento y nuestra indignación con la forma en que el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional está tratando a las personas”.
Ambos manifestantes comentaron sobre la amplia variedad de edades presentes en la protesta. Señalaron la presencia de niños de tan solo 6 años, así como de personas
mayores. Incluso algunos perros asistieron al evento.
Entre las banderas de Estados Unidos y de otros países, había varios carteles sostenidos por los manifestantes. En ellos se podía leer: “¡Republicanos electos, pongan fin a esto ahora!”, “Nosotros, el pueblo, exigimos justicia e igualdad para todos” y “¡El odio no hace grande a Estados Unidos!”, entre muchos otros.
Hubo poca presencia policial durante la protesta, aunque al menos dos oficiales pasaron caminando por el lugar. Los manifestantes no marcharon, sino que permanecieron fuera del edificio municipal.
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La bandera estadounidense junto a los carteles que envuelven el Instituto de los Santos de los Últimos Días, 2 de febrero.
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Un manifestante que se identificó como “Puffin” no llevaba un cartel; en cambio, se sentó a un lado pintando una tormenta. Otro se encontraba de pie en el separador de cemento de la carretera y parecía leer algo desde su teléfono a través de un megáfono, aunque era difícil escucharlo debido al tráfico. Se informó que más tarde ese mismo día se llevarían a cabo otras dos concentraciones: el Indivisible Ogden Rally y una capacitación de ICE Watch. Algunos manifestantes dijeron que planeaban asistir también a estas reuniones.
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