Students and faculty from more than 100 universities around the country joined us in this coordinated national day of action. They stood up and spoke against the Trump administration’s attempts to intimidate their campuses and change higher education policies. Students Rise Up planned these protests to help academic institutions break free from the ultra-wealthy donor class. Participants were vocal and aggressive in their resistance to an ideological agenda they believe is being forced down the throats of states from Washington.
Despite these challenges, on the day of action, hundreds of grad workers walked out of classes, unfurled banners, and rallied on campuses across the country. The movement gained further momentum when faculty and staff joined the students in protest. This was an extraordinary and historic coordinated attempt to push back against the administration’s attack on higher education. We are thrilled that local student groups joined with national organizations to make this possible. The Sunrise Movement and the Campus Climate Network were two of the major partners.
Those protests targeted Marc Rowan, the billionaire Wall Street financier and donor to former President Trump. He is an important player connected to University of Phoenix. Under Rowan’s influence, the institution has been identified as “the largest single producer of student debt in the country.” Demonstrators decried Rowan for spearheading the Title IX loophole that helped universities harbor civil rights legislation abuse.
Protesters loudly articulated why the Trump administration’s proposed “compact” was wrong on all counts. This proposal would give universities favoritism in access to federal funding if they meet certain conservative ideological goals. Most participants called on university leaders and elected leaders to publicly condemn these attempts.
Alicia Colomer, a student-organizer from one of the participating universities, spoke about the need to preserve the sanctity of education.
“Universities should be a place of learning, not propaganda machines.” – Alicia Colomer
Simon Aron, a fellow student engaged in the GE protests, told NYT that he is “very frustrated” at the administration’s maneuvering.
“Trump came to our community thinking we could be bullied out of our freedom.” – Simon Aron
The protestors articulated a clear message. They urged university leaders to reject the administration’s attempts to impose its agenda on academic institutions. Amy Offner, another protester, echoed this belief when she said, “Education should not be determined by how rich you are.”
“Billionaires should not control what can be taught and studied in the United States.” – Amy Offner
The demonstrations served as a precursor to larger-scale actions planned for next May Day, with the goal of culminating in a nationwide general strike in May 2028. The organizers want to ensure that these first protests are a motivation for continuing action in the academic communities.
Today’s protest marks the increasing frustration of the students and faculty. Through the rigorous defense of their initiatives, they are more than making a name for themselves. Participants stood united to signal their fierce determination. In doing so, they committed themselves to protect academic freedom and maintain the integrity of higher education.