In light of the increasing attacks on higher education, PEN America—an organization dedicated to defending free speech and human rights—hosted a Zoom meeting this Monday as part of its campus and higher education initiatives. The event connected campus activists and organizers nationwide who are actively working to protect free expression on their campuses.
Following the executive orders signed by President Trump and the increasing opposition to transgender rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, many universities across the country are rolling back protections for these marginalized communities.
Students from Kentucky expressed concerns about House Republicans seeking to dismantle DEI offices on campuses through bills that prohibit funding for diversity initiatives, and eliminate existing programs under the guise of combating so-called “discriminatory concepts.” In response, students on at least eight campuses in the state have organized marches in support of DEI efforts and in opposition to this legislation. While there is hope that the Democratic governor may veto the bill, the Republican-controlled House and Senate could potentially override the veto and enact it into law.
At the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, students are advocating for the reinstatement of identity flag displays, including Pride flags, Black Lives Matter flags, and national flags. The university president made the decision last year to remove all identity flags, and now the state legislature is considering pending bills H.B. 75 and S.B. 100 on the matter. In response, students are circulating petitions and mobilizing grassroots movements to voice their opposition to these changes to both their schools and state government.
In Texas, students are pushing back against bans on funding for scholarships, research, and academic curricula related to DEI. Universities are being forced to choose between maintaining DEI initiatives or losing critical government funding. With a new University of Texas president recently assuming office, students are waiting to see how he will respond to these developments.
Similarly, in Ohio, state legislators have introduced bills seeking to ban DEI programs, restrict faculty from expressing political views, and prohibit student strikes in higher education. In response, students have launched a direct action campaign in the Senate by attending all legislative events related to anti-DEI measures. They have also recently issued a “Dear Administration” letter outlining their opposition to these proposed changes.
In Iowa, state legislators have removed transgender individuals from the state’s Bill of Rights, prompting universities to follow suit by shutting down LGBTQ+ centers on their campuses. During the meeting, one student activist sought guidance on organizing efforts in the face of opposition from not only university administrations but also state and local governments, as well as certain student leadership groups.
To provide strategic support, PEN America invited several activists and organizers from across Europe to share insights from their own experiences. Representatives from the National Student Organization for Italy (ESU-Italy), the National Alliance for Student Organizations in Romania (ANOSR), the President of the European Student Union (ESU), and the Global Student Forum participated in the meeting to offer their perspectives.
Their key recommendation was for individual student governments and single-issue activism organizations in the U.S. to unite under a common cause and theme. They emphasized that there is strength in numbers and that a unified approach can help build a stronger foundation for advocacy efforts.
This meeting provided a productive and thoughtful space for students to share the challenges they face as free speech on university campuses comes under increasing threat. With the potential for students to face criminal liability, expulsion, and a renewed push from former President Trump to deny funding to schools that permit so-called “illegal protests,” it is more critical than ever for students across the country to unite. By developing cohesive, strategic plans, they can effectively advocate for positive change and resist policies that target vulnerable communities.
