Despite only having several hours notice, the Elizabethtown College Democrats were able to organize a rally of their own. After receiving notification this past Saturday that Ann Romney would be on the Elizabethtown College campus the following Monday, Etown College Democrats president, Lauren Stine, had a few hours to organize a protest and show support for the Democratic presidential nominee, Barack Obama.
Stine emailed club members and other interested students immediately, utilizing the aid of Director of Public Affairs Caroline Lalvani to assemble a campus-wide and community-integrated rally. Lalvani helped Stine to secure a designated spot near the other local media outlets, so that the Etown Democrats’ opinions would be heard.
“We wish we had been closer to the [Leffler] Chapel [and Performance Center], but we understand security protocol,” Stine said. “We wish more people would’ve come out.”
The rally assembled before 2 p.m. and over 20 students appeared, holding “Women for Obama” and other student-friendly Obama signs. Even though the weather was not ideal, students including seniors Rebecca Schueler, Jeanne DelBazo, sophomores Anastasia Frees, Wayne Gross, Stéfon Marquette and first-year Kayla Meyers attended the protest to support their preferred candidate.
“I wanted to go out and show support for Obama because I believe strongly in what he stands for,” Rebecca Schueler said. “I wanted to be a part of standing up for what I believe in.”
“The rain dampened the rally,” Stine said. “But it was good. Even though only 20 students came out, we had a great time and showed that we weren’t protesting Ann Romney being there, but that we were just showing our support for our presidential candidate.”
Some of the protestors were declined entrance to the rally, despite availability of tickets, because of their Obama paraphernalia, including t-shirts and buttons. Even those in the vicinity of the group were denied entry by association. Regardless, the protestors were seen both by students on campus and Stine mentioned that they “got media attention with local news station, FOX43.”
“I respect the fact that they brought a campaign onto campus,” Stine said. “We also appreciate that they sent out a clarification email that the College didn’t endorse the Romney campaign.”
“I’d say that it was very successful and many students who attended Ann Romney’s speech came and joined us afterwards,” Jeanne DelBazo said. “I think that really shows how the Romney campaign hasn’t won this area yet. I’m not sure, but I think that’s a big deal.”
While GOP supporters in the community were enthusiastic about Romney’s appearance, several alumni from Elizabethtown were outraged as the hashtag “ashamedtobeabluejay” appeared numerous times on Twitter. Some Etown grads are furious about the College’s interaction with the Romney campaign and Etown’s willingness to rent out the Chapel. Despite the fact that the College stated that they are not leaning towards a political party, some seem to remain skeptical.