“The University of Houston is one of the most diverse colleges in the United States of America. That means there are so many opinions that have not been heard because people are probably afraid to speak out,” said psychology senior Amber Walls. | Jasmine Davis/The Cougar
“Treat everyone with respect,” said public policy graduate Kevin Thompson. “Show kindness to people. Respect the Earth and take care of it. I feel like it’s appropriate anywhere — especially on college campuses where there’s so many people,” he said of activism at UH. | Jasmine Davis/The Cougar
“I think that should have way more attention from the media than the riots do just because I think people need to see good examples,” said public policy graduate
Rex Anne C. Waggoner. | Jasmine Davis/The Cougar
“I think the amount of it is just fine, but the subject matter needs to change,” said mechanical engineering technology senior Zachary Moran. | Jasmine Davis/The Cougar
“I think it’s really important for everyone to be an activist for something that’s important in their personal lives,” said anthropology graduate Bethany Rogers. “There’s a lot of people coming from different backgrounds.” | Jasmine Davis/The Cougar
Activism, regardless of cause, is a major topic on college campuses across the country. During September, two large protests, in addition to a student-led Black Lives Matter march, made presence at UH.
When members of the Westboro Baptist Church came to protest the Gender Infinity Conference on Sept. 16, they were met with opposition from students and community volunteers. Many of these counter-protesters said they criticize the organization for its messages that are often described as “hateful.”
Later that day, UH students marched through campus demanding justice for the controversial nationwide deaths at the hands of police officers.
On Sept. 24, Black Lives Matter: Houston marched from MacGregor Park through UH campus to Texas Southern University. Among shouts urging for equality was the call for young people, especially college students, to get involved in the movement.
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