Outside News Covers Walla Walla University Protests
12 March 2025 |
Yesterday a walkout staged by Walla Walla University (WWU) students in response to discrimination and censorship was covered by news outlets across the area—though outside press access to the campus was prohibited during the event.
Over 100 participants attended the protest, with campus security monitoring the event. An accumulation of incidents led to the walkout, notably the administration’s censoring a senior recognition video which featured a pride flag, and barring Ross Gurule from running for the Associated Students of Walla Walla University president after it was discovered that he was in a same-sex relationship.
The campus has many LGBTQ+ students, who communicated their hurt that their choice to identify as queer caused such contention. Heidi Kissinger, a WWU senior who helped organize the rally, told Wire that “LGBTQ students have had troubles on this campus with being seen. There is a lot of censorship because the Seventh-day Adventist fundamental belief on marriage is that marriage is defined as between a man and a woman.” In another interview with NBA Non-Stop Local she elaborated that the purpose of the event was to advocate for equal treatment.
“What we mainly want on campus is just a feeling of unity that students can express themselves freely without worrying about backlash,” said Kissinger. “And that means if people have different political views, of different backgrounds, of different ethnicities, of different cultures, they can come together freely and express those differences.”
Many alumni and students supported the walkout, and others queried how they could support the protest remotely. Those in the comments of an Instagram post by “We the Students of Walla Walla University” quoted the core themes advertised on the school’s website, specifically the “Beauty in Expression,” as well as other promises from WWU’s mission and vision about promoting an environment of respect and dignity, free from discrimination and harassment.
The recent actions taken by administration clash with a page about Haven on Student Support Services under the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Haven follows in Andrews University’s footsteps in pledging to provide a space where questions and support surrounding LGBTQ+ students can come for faith-founded care and answers. The framework document outlining Haven’s mission and vision says they recognize the mental and spiritual toll that marginalization and rejection from churches can have on queer youth, promising:
“We at Walla Walla University recognize the vulnerable situation of LGBTQ+ students on our campus and are committed to creating an environment of understanding and acceptance.”
It is also noted that “A WWU Haven Advisory Council comprised of university administrators, faculty, staff, pastors, and students oversees Haven. Several of these members identify as LGBTQ+.” Haven was established in 2018 at WWU, though it is unclear whether it remains active; the page is still active on the school’s site.
In response to the demonstration, Kelsi Dos Santos, director for marketing and university relations at Walla Walla University, provided NBC Nonstop Local with a statement regarding yesterday’s peaceful protest:
“In general, Walla Walla University maintains institutional values according to the mission and expectations of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. While we seek to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all students, we expect of our campus leaders a heightened advocacy for and modeling of Seventh-day Adventist beliefs and behaviors.”
