SGA gives free hugs on Capitol Hill
Photo/Dale Mabry SGA SGA students visit Washington, D.C. and distribute hugs.
Tensions are running high in Washington, D.C. With a Congressional approval rating of just 15%, shootings, lockdowns, bomb threats and the literal shut down of othe government, it is easy to forget that in the bustling capitol of our nation, people are still just trying to find a ray of hope.
On the evening of Friday, October 4, Hillsborough Community College’s Dale Mabry campus SGA did the best they could to provide that ray of hope: free hugs.
Taking time from a student government conference that they were attending, the students of HCC did the one thing that nobody in our nation right now would think to do: hug the people that some of us might like to harm.
Standing on the steps of the Capitol, five student senators from the Student Government Association held signs boasting “FREE HUGS”. Some of the students repeatidly shouted to passing politicians and Capitol Police to come and get their free hug.
Many lawmakers and passers by took the students up on their offer, pedestrians, security officers and lawmakers shared an embrace with our fellow students.
Lawmakers that took part in the hugs were Mark Sanford (R-S.C.), Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), Pat Quigley (D-Ill), Joe Kennedy (D-Mass.), Krysten Sinema (D-Ariz.). and Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.). Bustos stopped on her way in and out, making sure to get her fair share of the free hugs. Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.) reportedly got out of her car just to get a free hug.
Of course, in a city known for its disagreements and stubbornness, there were a few lawmakers, such as Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) that thought better of taking a free hug, and negotiated their ways to fist bumps or handshakes. Perhaps with all of the debt ceiling issues, they were timid to agree to anything called “free”, even if it is as simple as a hug.
Some of the lawmakers, perhaps declined the hugs in fear of a bait and switch. “I’m gonna hug my wife– hopefully soon,” Rep. Tim Griffith (R-Ark.) stated to a local D.C. news source. Many other lawmakers declined on the basis of needing to hug their children or spouses.
In the end, the hugs, fist bumps, hand shakes, and smiles paid off. Rep Xavier Beccera (D-Calif.) told the students “You guys gotta come here more often!” Our own local Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Fla.), encouraged the students to “Keep up the good work!” as she took part in a group hug.
The students of the Dale Mabry SGA have certainly reminded us that one kind act can go a long way with people. With any luck, the hugs will help ease the tension as congress continues down this frustrating path of constant disagreements.
Krista Byrd is the Editor-In-Chief of The Hawkeye.
Krista Byrd was born in Brandon, Florida. She is currently working on her Associates degree in...
Laura • Nov 11, 2013 at 10:30 pm
I love this! I was in DC as well during the shutdown the tension was everywhere! I think it’s awesome that the SGA took initiative and tried to make a difference. It’s great to see people in your own community excelling! It’s pretty cool that they were able to meet so many people as well. Sounds like it was a fulfilling experience!
Lacey Holeman • Nov 11, 2013 at 6:34 pm
What a great idea! I love that these positive people were the representatives fror HCC, and Florida. Despite all of the politics, bombings, arguments, and government shut downs, it’s important for everyone to realize that we are all human. Nothing reminds us more like the happy vibes of smiling students offering free hugs. Same goes with smiling at everyone you pass. This provides a good lesson for bringing a little more sunshine into everyone’s day.
Suehally Macias • Nov 11, 2013 at 1:06 pm
I love the idea of free hugs! Sometimes people forget how big of a difference a little bit of love can make on a person having a bad day. Even if it was just a hug, I am sure all of you if the picture made a difference in someone’s life that day!
Tammy Gettle • Nov 10, 2013 at 6:58 pm
What a great idea. We should all take a moment out of our lives to provide some happiness to others. I think it’s funny that some people negotiated to a fist bump. I have to wonder what they feared out of the hug. Maybe this could be the next big thing…make a national holiday out of it, a hug, or fist bump your neighbor day.
denise Ayora • Nov 9, 2013 at 11:10 am
I agree on the comment above. It is very interesting to see how us students can make a small humble change such as giving hugs to make a bold statement and like you said easing the rippling tension of Congress, for which political purges have no logical end point. Doing this simple act just helps heighten people’s raise awareness that hope is still there. I found this article to be super cute and warming I am definitely proud that our Dale Mabry HCC SGA team had an odd opportunity of giving hugs and teaching others what kindness is all about. I definitely would of love to see a video of the priceless reaction of the hugged lawmakers.
Nicole Garofalo • Nov 8, 2013 at 7:53 pm
That is awesome that SGA got to go to Washington DC during the shutdown. It is great to see that our very own are trying to make a difference in this world. Not only by showing up.. But by giving free hugs to those that need them. Even the smallest gesture can make people feel better and can put a smile on their faces. Good job SGA!!!!! You guys made a difference!!!
Jessica Bartels • Nov 7, 2013 at 11:20 am
I love the quote from Tim Griffith!! This is a cute article. I did not realize the SGA was in Washington DC during the shut down.