Escalation: SDS mobilizes, trains UVU protest coalition

Students for a Democratic Society at Utah Valley University held de-escalation training ahead of a protest planned for Sept. 10 outside Turning Point USA’s private memorial at the UCCU Center. The group says it wants to show student opposition to the service and to any permanent Kirk memorial on campus.

Organizer Collin Grannis told participants to keep the demonstration peaceful. He instructed members to bring no weapons, keep faces uncovered, use open posture, avoid heated exchanges, and distance themselves from anyone trying to escalate. He said the group expects to remain outside and intends to make entry uncomfortable for attendees while keeping the protest nonviolent.

UVU will close campus operations Thursday and says security on campus will be increased during the evening memorial. The planned protest has drawn criticism from national conservative commentators and calls for tight security. Grannis said past UVU demonstrations have largely remained peaceful.

AI-synthesized from multiple reported sources