With state elections nearly one month away, political discussion has reached the Fairfield University campus. Students are expressing their opinions on Connecticut Senator Tony Hwang and potential candidate Robert Blanchard, although a majority of this conversation has taken place anonymously over Fizz and is spreading misinformation.
“I think it’s incredibly important and healthy for students to be engaged and involved in what happens on their campus, in their community and their world as a whole,” Blanchard said. “It’s equally important that they ensure that the information they either share or receive is accurate and factual.”
On September 21, a Fizz user claimed the motives of “liberal bureaucrat Rob Blanchard” to shut down Santacon. The user then endorsed Hwang and his support for student rights on the beach.
Another user pinned “town liberals” as trying to ruin beach parties, encouraging students to vote for Hwang. Contrary to these beliefs, Blanchard clarified that state senators have no influence on the outcome of college beach parties.
“While I have no say or control over the future of any Fairfield University student events or beach parties as a member of the Fairfield Representative Town Meeting (RTM) or if I was elected to the State Senate,” he said, “I support the university and town coming together to find ways to ensure annual events continue in a way that’s fun and safe for students and residents and more organized, just as I did during parties in my college years.”
Connecticut State Representative Jennifer Leeper supports Blanchard and his plans as a state senator, additionally stating her lack of involvement with student life at the beach. She and Blanchard hope Fairfield students will attend their candidate forum at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 9.
Leeper discouraged the use of anonymous apps to spread political misinformation. “Gaslighting students using anonymous accounts with misinformation, is one of the more cynical things I have seen in my time as a public servant,” she said. Still, she and Blanchard acknowledge its success in increasing student Election Day Registrations during the last election cycle.
Regarding the information being spread about him on Fizz, Blanchard stated it is “bogus” and a sure sign that Hwang’s campaign has reached a “desperate and frantic low point.”
Continuing this condemnation, he said: “At a time when the town and university ought to be strengthening their relationship, it’s troubling that Senator Hwang would seek to drive a wedge between the two and create political divisiveness through misinformation for his own partisan gain.”
The Mirror reached out to Senator Tony Hwang for comment, but he did not respond in time for publication.
However, Fizz is not the only place where political discussion has entered Fairfield’s campus. In the Class of 2025 GroupMe chat, Off-Campus Student Leader (OCL) Colin Richards sent a flier encouraging students to vote for Alexis Harrison for State Representative. However, Richards did make clear that he is not specifically endorsing the candidate. The flier was provided to Richards by Pete Collins, owner of The Seagrape Cafe.
Associate Dean of Students Allison Berger appointed Richards as OCL during the summer, after sending a notice to all off-campus students in July requesting a letter of intent for those interested in the position.
“Qualities of students who hold this position have strong communication skills, welcome input and feedback, are open to guidance, are in good standing, are well-respected by their peers and have the time to commit to the position,” she said, also stating that upon hearing of the responsibilities, most applying students decide not to accept.
Although he has no say in the verdict of future beach parties, Blanchard made clear his sympathies and support for college students post-graduation.
“Facing uncertainty in the job market and saddled with student loan debt, I sympathize with what they may face upon graduation,” he voiced. “That’s why I am focused on ensuring we build an economy that retains and attracts employers who will allow us to build a jobs pipeline from colleges and universities, like Fairfield University, to prospective employers, so that they can have more employment opportunities after graduating.”
Leeper added that there are regular Stakeholder Meetings between students, neighbors, police, university and town where issues like beach parties and their solutions are discussed.
Student involvement in democracy is something that Blanchard deems critical. “Their voices ought to be heard,” he said. Because he is the youngest running candidate in Fairfield, he has tried to engage with voters in more innovative approaches such as through social media and in the press. Moreover, he thinks for voters sharing their opinions, it is important to stand by what one believes:
“It’s important to publicly stand behind your claims or opinions if you believe them rather than hide behind anonymity.”
Editors Note:
Head News Editor Ashley Devlin is an intern working for Jennifer Leeper and thus did not read, edit or have any part in the creation of this article before publication.
An earlier version of this story did not mention that Senator Tony Hwang had been contacted for comment, and that he did not respond to The Mirror. Also, The Mirror did not reach out to state representative candidate Alexis Harrison for comment prior to publication. The Mirror regrets this oversight, has subsequently contacted Ms. Harrison and is awaiting a response.
