About 20 Point Loma Nazarene University students met at the cross near the campus entrance to make signs for the “No Kings” nationwide movement last month. Students said the assembly gave them a voice and left them feeling hopeful.
Before walking to Ocean Beach, organizer Bryce Hickerson, a third-year theology, justice and peace major, read Joshua 22:3 to center the intention on Christian faith. The students then walked down Catalina Boulevard and through Ocean Beach, hoisting signs with Bible verses and messages that read, “No Kings in America” and “The president has a mugshot, my hardworking parents do not.”
The movement was independent from PLNU, though Hickerson said she emailed Connor Mathisen, director of community life, to ensure no campus rules were violated. Hickerson said she was inspired to host to give students an opportunity to participate in the political discussions and demonstrations occurring nationwide.
“There are a lot of students who care deeply about the injustices going on but don’t have the alleyway or access to do anything about it,” Hickerson said. “The demonstration was about giving [PLNU] students a way to be politically active while showing the love of Jesus.”
Lindsey Lupo, dean of the School of Humanities, Arts and Public Engagement, has studied social movements through historical lenses. She said she used that framework to understand the “No Kings” movement.
“I view the ‘No Kings’ protests as I do any protest in the United States, as a part of our foundational history of democracy,” Lupo said in an email interview.
Samantha Clay, a third-year nursing major, said she initially went to support Hickerson, but after more research, she became passionate about the cause.
“It was a very hopeful and beautiful thing to experience so many people banding together,” Clay said. “Even the people who weren’t happy, who flipped us off or yelled at us, we were able to respond with love.”
The movement was met with mixed reactions from Ocean Beach residents. Several families stood outside their front doors, smiling and waving. A few people cheered from their cars, and two community members joined the students. Other people expressed criticism by flipping them off and yelling at them to leave. The students met the confrontation with smiles and kept walking.
Meghan Snyder, a second-year psychology major, did not attend the movement but expressed support for other students’ use of their First Amendment rights, which protect freedom of speech, the right to peaceably assemble and to petition the government.
“They’re more than welcome to do that as long as it’s peaceful,” Snyder said. “Even if I don’t agree with what they’re protesting, that’s their right, and I support that as an American.”
Snyder said that while the campus has had politically charged events recently, such as the Charlie Kirk memorial on Oct. 14, what is important to her is that even in disagreement, people remain respectful.
“Situations like what happened with Charlie Kirk and with the ‘No Kings’ demonstration are important,” Snyder said. “Being able to say to someone, ‘Yeah, I disagree, but I am going to support the First Amendment right, whether I agree or disagree,’ is really important.”
Dana Hojsack, director of Community Ministries, provided students with cardboard and markers to make signs.
“My role is to support students,” Hojsack said. “So I felt that coming to support them as they prepared to head out on their march to Ocean Beach would be part of my role as a supportive staff person.”
After providing supplies, Hojsack left to participate in the ‘No Kings’ protest in downtown San Diego.
“I would like others to know that the ‘No Kings’ march was a peaceful march of people who want to see the best in all of our neighbors,” Hojsack said.
When discussing PLNU’s faculty and student engagement in political conversations, Lupo spoke of the importance of relationships and encouraged PLNU to continue engaging with others amid difficult conversations.
“PLNU is an incredibly relational place, and if we all remember to just talk to each other — ask questions, stay curious, seek understanding and remain respectful — we will be OK,” Lupo said. “We will not agree on everything — nor should we in a democracy — but we can work together.”
Sydney Brammer 
Ava Bailey-Klugh