Hartwick senior organizes protest, 'Drag Santos out of Office'

Mar. 30—A Hartwick College senior organized a protest against Congressman George Santos, R-NY3, in Queens on March 4.

Alice Johnson is a political science major and co-founder of the political activist group, Students Against Santos, professor and chair of political science at Hartwick, Laurel Elder said.

The activist group originated as a mobilized response to the investigation of Santos by the House Ethics Committee, Elder said. Johnson, with the backing of the group, orchestrated the protest "Drag Santos out of Office" Elder said.

Johnson said there were many in the district sharing the same negative perception of Santos, all willing to go to great lengths to "get him out of office."

Johnson's been involved with several political campaigns; in the fall, taking a leave of absence to work on the Robert Zimmerman campaign, the Democrat that ran against Santos in NY-3, receiving experience and financial compensation for her work comprising of guiding and directing the interns, Elder said. Johnson said the experience introduced her to the roles that are the nuts and bolts in the operation of a political campaign. Johnson "got to be in charge" of the interns, she said.

During that time Johnson became entrenched with the knowledge of the lies that Santos produced, Elder said. Johnson worked alongside another individual who aided in the start up of the activist group, Elder said.

It's not okay that Santos fabricated documents and has been lying to the people, Elder said. There should be no place for him in Congress, it's a "really important part of our democratic government," Elder said. "He's a huge liar," and it sets a "dangerous" precedent on what is allowed from those obtaining positions in office, Johnson said.

Johnson said it's imperative for people to research the candidates they're voting for, without regard for what political party with which they're aligned.

Elder said, as a political science teacher this is "near and dear to what I teach," and it's realized that the future of our democracy is in the hands of our youth. Elder said, the future will be molded by engagement of young people in political matters and their courage to "step up and mobilize." Johnson said, it's important "because I'm a young person and a woman." Johnson said there is a clear lack of involvement in both groups and I want to encourage the active participation of others by showing "it can be fun," without diminishing the importance.

Johnson's thesis is exploring the relationship between volunteering on a political campaign and the role it plays in future political involvement, Elder said. Johnson will give a presentation on her findings, all are welcome to attend, Elder said. The date has yet to be set.

Elder said, there are many ways for students to participate in government locally; by educating themselves on issues that face Oneonta, registering to vote and attending city council meetings. It is a challenge to register students to vote, peer support encourages political behaviors, Elder said.

Johnson said, the activist group is always looking to gain more support and traction from fellow young people, they can be found on Instagram or Twitter.