Over a hundred UNI students, Cedar Falls High School students and Cedar Valley community members protested Governor Kim Reynolds’s appearance at the Applied Engineering building ribbon cutting ceremony. But, as the ceremony began, it was made apparent that Reynolds was not in attendance. Originally, Reynolds was noted in a press release as a speaker and a ribbon cutter, but, in her absence, sent in a video to be shown at the ceremony. Throughout the ceremony, protesters could be heard outside chanting and cheering.
Protesters each had their own reasons for showing up to the ceremony. A variety of legislation was protested, from the legislation that repealed civil rights for transgender Iowans to legislation regarding Iowa’s public education systems. “The biggest thing for me is that I believe in education for all people, and she is clearly not providing that sentiment for every student,” said Erin Epperson, UNI education student. “As a future teacher, I know my future students are going to want a proper education. Discrimination based on a student’s gender, income, sexuality…that doesn’t align with that.”
Sketch Classen, a Cedar Falls High School student attended the protest to make their voice heard concerning anti-trans legislation that’s been passed by the Iowa legislature. “She’s supported a lot of stuff that’s hateful to the people who live here and only benefit the 1%,” said Classen. “I don’t agree with her actions, pretty much.” Elaine Babcok, another attendee, made her concerns surrounding her own safety clear. “As a lesbian, I’m scared,” Babcock told the Northern Iowan. “I know I’m not supported by Kim Reynolds and I know one day, I could be next,” Babcock referenced the recent legislation passed by Iowa to repeal civil rights for transgender Iowans.
Kaleb Dufel, another protest attendee, expressed frustration upon learning that Reynolds was a no-show for the ribbon cutting. Duffel accused Reynolds of pulling her appearance because of the protest. “Kim Reynolds didn’t show up today because she’s ashamed and guilty of collaborating with Musk and Trump and cutting our civil rights,” said Dufel. “She’s ashamed and she should be.”
UNI students who attended the protest also noted the perceived lack of state support for regent universities, including UNI. “They already don’t do enough for students,” said two members of the Northern Iowan Feminists organization, Ema Jensen and Jacey Ordal. “Students are living below the poverty line and not getting what they need. They need to do more for students.”
“I don’t think, at the current level, that students are being cared for, period.” Nkasa Bolumbo, another member of the Northern Iowan Feminists said.
While protestors chanted “hey hey, ho ho, Kim Reynolds has got to go,” outside, inside, university president Mark Nook introduced students and faculty who have made the Applied Engineering building what it is. Students stood at the front of the room alongside Nook and assisted in the cutting of the ribbon to ceremonially open the building.
Even as the ceremony inside the building ended, the protest outside the building continued. Despite protesting Reynolds’ appearance, even in her absence, the protest continued.
