Messages left by protestors outside of Kelly Commons.
ANGELINA PERSAUD / THE QUADRANGLE
Emmanouel Sofillas, Managing Editor
Congressman Michael Lawler returned to Manhattan University on April 22, stepping into familiar territory to address students about his legislative priorities, foreign policy concerns and economic outlook. The Rockland County native and Jasper alumnus who was valedictorian in 2009, wasted no time diving into policy specifics—particularly on tax relief and immigration reform.
Before delving into the day’s complex political issues, though, Lawler opened with a moment of reflection.
“It’s good to be back,” Lawler said. “I got my start here—working the stadium by night, studying finance by day. I still say Manhattan College out of habit, but this will always be home,” Lawler said.
“My top priority right now is lifting the SALT cap, it’s hurting families in my district, and I’ve made it clear to the speaker and president that if it’s not in the bill, I won’t support it,” Lawler said, referring to the federal limit on state and local tax deductions.
Lawler also stressed the need for a merit-based immigration system, citing labor shortages in essential sectors and personal experience navigating the immigration process with his wife.
“It’s not about where someone is from—it’s about whether they can contribute to what our country needs,” Lawler said in the forum.
Regarding foreign policy, Lawler described the Middle East as a “tinderbox” and called for unified efforts to counter threats posed by Iran, Russia, North Korea and China.
“We need a coherent strategy, or we risk falling behind diplomatically and economically,” Lawler warned.
Bringing the congressman back to campus was no small feat. Political science professor and department chair Margaret Groarke, Ph.D., organized the event, and said she began planning more than a year ago.
“We wanted students to engage with elected leaders,” Groarke said. “Whether they agree or not, it’s about building the habit of showing up, listening critically and forming their own opinions.”
One of the attendees, senior Samantha Pavlik, helped moderate the Q&A, interviewing the congressman. As a political science major herself, Pavlik welcomed the challenge.
“I definitely felt pressure,” Pavlick said. “It’s hard to navigate disagreement in a setting like this, but that’s what democracy is. We don’t grow unless we ask hard questions, even when the answers don’t satisfy us.”
Outside of Kelly Commons, dozens of protestors rallied up to voice disapproval of Lawler’s record. Waving signs and handing out flyers, the group made statements about Lawler misrepresenting his positions and undermining key protections for voters and marginalized communities.
“We’ve seen this playbook before,” Maureen Morrissey, who lives in Lawler’s district, said. “He comes across as reasonable, but his voting record is extreme. The SAVE Act he co-sponsored is voter suppression in disguise. He calls it common sense. We call it an attack on democracy.”
Donna Linton, also among the organizers, said the visit made her feel “frustrated, but also motivated.”
“It’s hard to hear him talk about compassion and then vote against reproductive rights and vote to cut Medicaid,” Linton said. “I left this event even more certain that we have to keep showing up and speaking out.”
Other protestors shared similar emotions.
“It’s anger, yes, but it’s also fear,” protestor Ann Starer said. “Fear that people won’t see through the performance. He calls himself bipartisan, but most of his votes align with far-right politician Marjorie Taylor Greene. That’s not moderation—that’s loyalty to the far-right.”
The protest wasn’t just about Lawler’s policies, it was about what his presence on campus symbolized.
“This was our chance to speak truth to power,” Linton said. “He wasn’t elected by accident. He ran a smooth campaign, but people didn’t know what they were signing up for. Now they do, and we’re not going away.”
Despite the tensions, the event sparked robust engagement among students, faculty and community members. Whether seated in the room or standing outside it, attendees aimed to get answers about the policies that shape their lives.
As he wrapped up the event, Lawler left students with one parting thought.
“Politics shouldn’t be about scoring points,” Lawler said. “It should be about solving problems. That starts with conversation, even the tough ones.”