NEWS/OPINION
What unfolded outside the Capitol raises serious questions.
On Friday, February 13th, an event was held outside the Wyoming State Capitol organized by Wyoming Equality and led by Sarah Burlingame, their Executive Director. According to the official State Building Commission permit, the gathering description indicated it was to be an “Equality/Valentine’s Day Rally” at the Capitol. “A gathering to bring folks together with speakers from clergy and community leaders to remind us of the neighborly virtues of leading with love and respecting the Wyoming value of equality.” The Open Range Record obtained a copy of the permit through a Wyoming Open Records Act request.
Wyoming Equality’s public flyer invited residents to “Join us for Equality Day on February 13th.” A separate social media post described it as a “statewide day of action” where LGBTQ+ Wyomingites and allies would gather to meet with lawmakers and ensure their voices were heard in policy discussions. The promotional graphic read “Stand for LGBTQ+ Wyomingites – Equality Day – Feb 13.”
Nowhere in the permit or primary promotional materials was the event explicitly described as an anti-ICE protest event. On paper, it was cast as uplifting, civil, and unifying. But it was anything but that.
The ICE Walkout Messaging
Though it is unclear who created another set of flyers being circulated on social media. The separate graphics circulated promoting an “ICE OUT” walkout and protest scheduled for February 13th. Some specifically referenced students walking out of school and gathering. One graphic promoted an “East High Walk Out” and described protesting federal ICE agents in local communities. Other encouraged participants to “come prepared,” “stay together,” and meet at designated locations.
These materials indicate that students were encouraged to gather on that same day, at overlapping times, in connection with anti-ICE messaging. The timing raises obvious questions. Was it coincidence that a permitted “Equality/Valentine Day” Rally and a student ICE Walkout/Protest were scheduled for the same day and location?
As seen in one picture, the writing indicated a teacher must have been there, “my students arn’t illegal [sic]" was written in chalk. This indicates students were not organizing this independently.
Adults coordinating had to have been aware that these events were taking place simultaneously. When minors are involved in politically charged demonstrations, clarity matters.
The youth and adult crowd that gathered on the 13th of February, seemed to have something in common, Anti-Ice signs and Angry voices. There was no indication if there was in fact a “Equality/Valentine” rally taking place.
Permit Questions
Wyoming Equality had an official permit and failed to convey what was actually going to occur.
Questions have since been raised about whether the student walkout portion had its own separate permit or whether it was assumed to be covered under the existing one. Some attendees indicated they were told that “it was already taken care of.”
If one group did not hold a permit, shouldn’t they have been asked to leave? There is a reason for obtaining a permit for a protest/rally, and the rules should be followed. If multiple gatherings converged at the Capitol at the same time, transparency about permitting and planning is important for safety, accountability, and public trust.
What Witnesses Reported
Observers reported traffic being impeded. Law enforcement officers were confronted face-to-face with aggression. Protesters shouted vulgar and hostile comments for extended periods of time.
Employees working inside the Capitol building reported that screaming and profanity could be heard throughout the Capitol walls. What was described on paper as a rally centered on love echoed inside as everything but love.
Several individuals showed up in support of ICE, and it was reported that the group was demeaned and screamed at. Allegations circulated online that water bottles and ice were thrown at vehicles and individuals. One Capitol employee stated that police intervened multiple times due to safety concerns.
This was not described by witnesses as Equality or Valentines Rally. This was a protest, and not a peaceful one. Many individuals coming to the capital for the legislative session felt the protest outside was chaotic and confrontational.
Photos from the event show Sarah Burlingame, the Executive Director, the one who obtained the permit, was present.
As the crowd grew louder and more energized, her leadership presence was visible. If this was truly to be a Valentines Rally and not a protest, why was Mrs. Burlingame not giving clear direction? As the coordinator of the event should she have been giving clear direction and de-escalating the situation that was unfolding.
At one-point, Representative Karlee Provenza and Senator Chris Rothfuss were observed on the Capitol steps screaming into the crowd. Witnesses described the atmosphere as increasingly antagonistic.
Elected officials and organizers carry influence. When crowds include students, that responsibility becomes even greater. In heated moments, should leaders create meaningful conversation, or should they contribute to further riling up the crowd?
The aggressive behavior continued….
On Monday, another protest occurred near the Capitol. Through the chaos and yelling of children and adults you could see the demeanor of two separate sides. One side was shifting from advocacy to agitation, while the other side stayed stoic.
A man stood on a black metal bench waving an American flag and calmly repeating “God Bless America.” Around him, children wrote in chalk phrases including “idiot,” “troll,” and “off his meds.” He did not shout. He did not retaliate. He stood. The contrast was striking.
Final Thoughts……
This was not “leading with love.” Love does not sound like profanity echoing through Capitol walls. Love does not look like traffic obstruction and confrontation. Love does not draw students into a charged political atmosphere without absolute clarity and accountability.
If an event is advertised as unity, it should reflect unity. If it is billed as a neighborly virtue, it should demonstrate virtue. If it is framed as equality, it should model respect. Especially toward those who disagree.
Words like love, dignity, and equality mean something. They are not marketing slogans. They are standards of conduct. The Capitol is not a stage. It is a symbol of ordered liberty. And when rhetoric replaces restraint, when emotion replaces example, and when messaging does not match behavior, citizens have every right to question its intent.
If we are going to teach our children about civic engagement, then we must show them that protest can be firm without being hostile, passionate without being profane, and strong without being reckless. Because credibility is earned through conduct.