Protestors Voice Frustrations at Wichita State University as Senator Jerry Moran Tours Campus with Northrop Grumman CEO
On Monday, protestors gathered at Wichita State University (WSU) to express their frustrations and anxieties about the current state of national affairs. The demonstration coincided with a visit by Senator Jerry Moran, who was touring the campus with Kathy Warden, CEO of Northrop Grumman, a major aerospace and defense technology company. The protestors, many of whom were local residents, voiced concerns about a range of issues, including job losses, education, Social Security, and foreign policy, while expressing a growing distrust in elected leaders.
Dozens of individuals gathered outside the university, holding signs and chanting slogans to make their voices heard. The protestors highlighted their dissatisfaction with the political climate in Washington, D.C., and the perceived lack of accountability from their representatives. Many shared personal stories of hardship, underscoring the real-world impact of policy decisions made at the federal level.
Pamela Phillips, one of the protestors, spoke about her recent job loss, which she attributed to federal budget cuts. “I lost my job. I was working for the Department of Education. We were testing in reading and math in a three-state area—Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas—and they just shut the study off,” she said. “Gotta throw it away now, and I don’t have a job.” Phillips’ story resonated with many in the crowd, who expressed similar frustrations about economic instability and the lack of support for working-class Americans.
Another pressing concern for the protestors was the future of Social Security. Phillips, who relies on Social Security for her livelihood, expressed fear over recent comments made by political leaders. “I’m scared because now, what if he takes away Social Security? I heard him say something about Social Security being a giant Ponzi scheme,” she said. “Well, that’s what I live on.” Her worries were echoed by others, including Terry Chapman and Carol Waltman, who shared their anxieties about the long-term implications of policy changes on their families.
Waltman, a grandmother, voiced concerns about the future of her grandchildren. “I’ve got grandkids that have a future, maybe no future now. And what can we do about it? That’s what’s really scary,” she said. Chapman, meanwhile, emphasized the authenticity of the protestors’ emotions. “This is how we really feel; this is not a show,” he stated, underscoring the depth of their concerns.
The protest also reflected broader dissatisfaction with recent actions and statements by Kansas senators and the President. Just two days prior, Senator Roger Marshall had abruptly exited a town hall meeting in Oakley, Kansas, citing the behavior of attendees and other commitments as reasons for his early departure. This incident, along with recent social media comments from both Senator Marshall and former President Donald Trump, had left many constituents feeling unheard and disrespected.
Despite the focus on Senator Moran during Monday’s protest, the frustration extended beyond any single individual. Protestors called for greater accountability and transparency from all elected officials. “Answer our questions; we are your constituents,” Phillips demanded. “He needs to listen to us.”
The demonstration at Wichita State University highlighted the growing divide between elected leaders and the people they represent. As the protestors made clear, their concerns are not abstract political issues but deeply personal matters that affect their daily lives. The event served as a reminder that, for many Americans, the stakes of political decisions are incredibly high, and the need for responsive leadership has never been more urgent.
In the coming weeks, it remains to be seen whether these voices will prompt action from Kansas’ senators and other leaders. For now, the protestors have made their message clear: they are demanding accountability, transparency, and a government that truly serves the people.
