On March 3, Sam Houston State University Student Jeremiah Yañez captured a photo of a 2024 campaign sign for President Donald Trump that had been graffitied over with the term “DUMP COUNTRY, lies 2024 lies” on the Walker County Republican Party Office. This act was performed by a still unknown person, and has brought up mixed emotions among students at SHSU.

Some have expressed beliefs that it was warranted and deserved, while others argue acts like this are unwarranted and have no place in a civilized society. Yañez shared his own thoughts on the situation. 

“My immediate reaction was honestly shock because I assumed this town was so die-hard republican, but on the other hand, I was also very happy that someone had the balls to vandalize that sign,” Yañez said. ”I think that getting rid of the Department of Education is unwarranted, someone should have done this to their office a long time ago.” 

These comments from Yañez come right after the Trump Administration signed a controversial executive order to “begin eliminating the federal Department of Education,” according to NBC News.   

“I don’t think a little graffiti will cause more problems than there already are,” Yañez added.  

President of the SHSU College Republicans Drake Serpas offered a starkly different opinion on the situation.  

“SHSU College Republicans work closely with the Walker County Republican Party and I speak for my chapter when I say we are appalled by this act of vandalism on their Trump sign,” Serpas said. “Vandalism has no place ever in a civil society, and I am hopeful that this was a one-time thing and we won’t be seeing more in the future.”  

According to the 2024 Presidential Election results, 69.6% of voters in Walker County voted for Donald Trump, while only 29.6% voted for Kamala Harris, making Walker County a considerably more conservative area.   

“I believe SHSU is one of the most conservative campuses in the state, and while I am starting to see the political climate heating up a bit, I don’t think it is a bad thing as long as people stay civil and respectful,” Serpas said.  

The sign has since been taken down, and no further acts of defiance have occurred.