Protesters in the Union. | Photo by John Gittings.
Protesters in the Union. | Photo by John Gittings.

Protesters quickly gained the media’s attention by storming into the press room at the Democratic Debate Thursday.

The protesters, strategically scattered throughout the Union and around the Zelazo Center, held signs and chanted in support of Black Lives Matter and Fight for $15. The crowds were made up of the multiple groups, including the student-run organizations Youth Empowered Struggle and Students for a Democratic Society.

Right before the Clinton-Sanders debate launched, Fight for $15 barged into the spin and file room and grabbed the attention of local and national media.

Protesters with the Students for a Democratic society said that they do not openly side with Clinton or Sanders, nor do they support one political wing. The group also protested at Milwaukee’s Republican debate in December, admitting that particular protest was more of an “attack on Clinton.”

“The candidates put wealth over tuition,” said student protestor Erik Geissler-Heath.

Students for a Democratic Society protesting outside the Zelazo Center
Students for a Democratic Society protesting outside the Zelazo Center. | Photo by Hailey McLaughlin.

“The Democratic and Republican parties are both war parties,” said YES protester Eric Montenegro. “It’s just that the Democratic Party makes it seem like there will be change, but there never is.”

Although campus grew a bit loud, the protests were peaceful. Milwaukee police made no arrests.