We’ve all seen the memes about bright-eyed first-years in engineering confidently swearing they’ll never work for so-called “imperialistic war machines” like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, or General Dynamics. The joke unfolds just as it often does in real life: a freshman passionately declares they’ll avoid these weapons manufacturers at all costs. Then, by senior year, they’re staring down a $400,000 job offer and reluctantly accept, citing economic realities or mounting student debt. These jokes reflect three widely held beliefs: that companies profiting off weapons of mass destruction are harmful, that it’s morally questionable to work for them, and that financial pressures ultimately compel students to take those jobs anyway.
Yet, one student organization at UVA, the Dissenters, challenges the idea that this outcome is inevitable. The UVA Dissenters are a student group known for their anti-imperialist stance and activism on a variety of related issues. From opposing the controversial development of “Cop City” in Atlanta to supporting Palestinian rights, they’ve consistently made their views heard. Most recently, they gained attention for protesting UVA’s fall career fair, held on October 23rd, where prominent defense contractors like General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin were recruiting students.
At the career fair, the Dissenters set up a provocative display: a table draped with a banner that read, “Will You Work for Murderers?” 
The banner was decorated with bright red “bloody” handprints to symbolize the consequences of the weapons these companies produce.
The Dissenters’ protest extended beyond symbolism. They encouraged students to actively disrupt the recruitment process by “wasting the recruiters’ time.” This tactic involved engaging recruiters in prolonged conversations to limit their ability to interact with other students. Additionally, the group distributed fake resumes that highlighted the roles these companies play in perpetuating violence. For example, their General Dynamics resume detailed the company’s impact on Palestinian communities and its involvement in US immigration enforcement, providing students with an eye-opening critique of the company’s practices.
Critics of the Dissenters’ protests argue that companies like General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin are not directly responsible for starting wars. Instead, they claim, the focus should be on addressing the governments and leaders who initiate conflict. While this is a valid point, it’s equally true that wars cannot be fought without weapons manufacturers supplying the tools of destruction. By targeting these companies, the Dissenters aim to disrupt the cycle of war at its roots—or at least raise awareness about the consequences of working for these organizations.
The Dissenters are also working to offer solutions for students who wish to pursue careers outside the weapons industry. To this end, they’ve been posting educational materials around campus and are helping to organize and raise awareness for an alternative career fair, set to take place on Wednesday, November 20th. This event will connect students with opportunities that align with their values and provide alternatives to the lucrative yet controversial defense industry roles. 
For updates and further resources, the UVA Dissenters recommend visiting their Instagram account, @UVADissenters.
For many students, the decision to work for a defense contractor is framed as an unavoidable reality of the job market. However, groups like the UVA Dissenters challenge this narrative, offering both critique and constructive alternatives.
Their peaceful protest at the career fair not only raised awareness but also empowered students to think critically about their career choices and the broader ethical implications of their work. In doing so, they’ve sparked an important conversation about the role of engineers, scientists, and other professionals in the machinery of war—and whether that machinery can and should be disrupted.
Leave a Reply