Amanda Crouse
News Editor
Wooster locals lined the sidewalks along the intersection of Liberty St. and Main St. from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14, for a Defending Democracy protest. Similar to the No Kings Day protests that began in June 2025 in cities across the U.S., the Defending Democracy protest served as a forum for citizens to express their dissent toward the Trump administration. Some participants waved flags while others held signs — many of which addressed the recent mass deportations by the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and bouts of violence that have followed ICE’s heightened presence in cities like Minneapolis.
The event was organized by Wooster resident David Griffith, who walked from corner to corner of the intersection with a sign reading “Defend Democracy!” When asked about the purpose of the protest, Griffith emphasized the importance of a bipartisan outlet for free expression.
“If you look around and you walk up and down this street … you’re going to find people who are registered Republicans, registered Democrats, Libertarians, Independents. … Maybe they’re upset about Social Security, or maybe they’re upset about veterans’ rights, or reproductive rights, or whatever that might be,” Griffith said. “But each person has the opportunity to display that on their own.”
Pauline Chapman and Kathie Jones, residents of Medina County, said they felt compelled by the violent actions of ICE to come to Wooster and join in the protest. “I’m with the Federal Immigration Court, I go up there to monitor, to stop the war on immigrants and to save our democracy, save our votes,” said Jones.
On the other side of the street stood retired judge and alum of the College, Bill Bailey, holding a sign that read “No one is above the rule of law.” Bailey is a member of the Wayne County Board of Elections and said that his main issue with the Trump administration is “the way they ignore court orders and statutes and the Constitution.” Asked what sentiment he wanted to pass on to Wooster students and community members, Bailey pointed to the front of his hat, which bore a patch with the word “VOTE” embroidered across the front.
“I don’t care who you vote for. Just get involved,” Bailey said. “Now, the apathy among registered voters is terrible. You know, we usually have 40% of voters [who] don’t get involved at all … register to vote, you do have a voice.”
