#studentprotests

[adayephoto]

Students Protest University of Florida Presidential Finalist Senator Ben Sasse

Students at the University of Florida protested the visit of Republican Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska – the likely new president of the university – during his recent preliminary interview at Emerson Alumni Hall in Gainesville, Florida. Sasse was scheduled to host three open forums but left a forum about 15 minutes early as nearly 300 protesters chanted “Hey hey. Ho ho. Ben Sasse has got to go,” as they entered the ballroom where the interview was taking place.

In one of the three forums held, Sasse discussed his stance on LGBTQ+ rights after he condemned the US Supreme Court decision that guaranteed same-sex marriage at the federal level in 2015. The Independent Florida Alligator quoted him as saying that the decision was “the law of the land,” adding that it wasn’t going to change in the near future.

Sasse plans to resign from the Senate by the end of the year to take a job as the president of the University of Florida.

[whoisjaylamm]

📸 The Iconic Image of the Kent State Killings: A Dark Moment in History NEW EPISODE: Episode 37:  📸 The iconic image of the Kent State Killings, captured by John Filo, froze a moment in history that changed the world. As Mary Ann Vechio knelt beside Jeffrey Miller, her anguished scream became the symbol of the possible consequences of student protests during the Vietnam War. This haunting photo echoed across magazines and newspapers, revealing the deadly reality of dissent in America.

But what happened that day? And how did this single frame shift the national conversation?

🎥 Watch the full story in the video linked in our bio and explore the impact of this powerful photograph. This is the thirty-seventh episode in a series of episodes that’ll drop every Saturday throughout 2024.  Visit the full video here: https://youtu.be/Rnd3ZwGhMOE Please share it with others if you enjoy it. Head over to my YouTube channel to watch (link in bio and description). Also linked in my stories.

[lisablasstudio]

Monday's image: May 27, 2024

James Ensor, Two Heads and a Hand, Pencil on paper, 118 × 85 millimeters, 1886-1890, KMSKA, Antwerp, Belgium

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[phonemantra-blog]

Lizzo, the ever-vibrant singer and champion of self-love, recently took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message with her fans. Beyond the usual dazzling persona and upbeat music, Lizzo shed light on her personal struggles over the past year, expressing gratitude for activists, acknowledging mental health challenges, and voicing support for student protests. Lizzo Speaks Out A Long-Overdue Thank You to Activists The video, which Lizzo herself acknowledged was "long overdue," served as a platform for expressing her profound appreciation for activists fighting against ongoing humanitarian crises. Highlighting Specific Struggles: Lizzo specifically mentioned Palestine, Sudan, and the Congo, regions grappling with conflict and human rights violations. Recognizing the Toll of Activism: Having "worked closely with activists" in the past, Lizzo acknowledged the immense emotional and physical toll such work can take. She expressed her sincere gratitude for their tireless efforts, highlighting the life-saving impact of their activism. Addressing a Period of Silence This message followed a period of relative quiet from Lizzo in the public eye. She offered a candid explanation, revealing that she had been battling mental health issues over the past nine months. Experiencing Depression: Lizzo bravely discussed experiencing "a deep dark depression" and mental health "crises and episodes." This period of mental health struggle left her feeling "not present." Addressing Sexual Harassment Allegations: The video predates a recent media firestorm around Lizzo. In August and September of 2023, several former dancers made public accusations of sexual harassment and workplace grievances. While these accusations are currently under legal appeal, this period undoubtedly added further strain to Lizzo's well-being. Finding Strength and Inspiration Despite the challenges, Lizzo's message offered a powerful note of resilience. The Power of Activism: Lizzo credited the work of global activists as a source of inspiration. Witnessing their dedication fueled her motivation to overcome her struggles and "get back to who I am." Supporting Student Protests: Lizzo also voiced her support for the "anti-genocide, anti-war" student protests across the United States. She acknowledged the immense value of these student demonstrations, highlighting their importance in making positive change. A Call to Action Lizzo concluded her message with a call to action: Supporting Humanitarian Efforts: She specifically mentioned Operation Olive Branch, a grassroots organization aiding families in Palestine. She promised to return soon with more information on how fans can contribute to combating these global crises. The Power of Collective Action: Lizzo's message beautifully underscores the importance of solidarity. By acknowledging the struggles of others and lending support to worthy causes, we can all contribute to a more just and peaceful world. Lizzo's message serves as a powerful reminder that even the strongest among us can face personal battles. It also highlights the importance of acknowledging mental health needs and seeking support. Ultimately, her story is one of resilience, finding strength in shared struggles and using one's platform to advocate for positive change.

[tamilansankar]

எதற்கு என்று சொன்னால் நம்பமுடியாது! அமெரிக்காவில் வெடித்தது மாணவர் போராட்டம்!

அமெரிக்கா என்றவுடன் முதலில் நமக்கு நினைவில் வருவது அதன் செல்வச்செழிப்பும் உலகநாடுகளிடம் அதற்கு இருக்கும் அதிகாரப் பலமும் தான். உலகின் எந்த மூலையில் எந்தப் பிரச்சனை இருந்தாலும் அமெரிக்காவின் பெயர் அடிபடாமல் இருக்கவே முடியாது. ஊடகங்களுக்குத் தற்போதையச் சூடான செய்தி எதுவென்று பார்த்தால் மத்திய கிழக்கு நாடான பாலஸ்தீனத்தில் நடந்த இனவழிப்புப் போர்த் தான். இந்தப் பூமிப்பந்தில் இருக்கும் பெரிய திறந்த வெள…

[dominiquewritesthings]

'm so happy to say that some content is coming from my Student-Faculty Research at school.

I've spent the better half of this semester in the library searching through old newspaper archives from the early 1970s to collect information about student protests on campus.

I hope you enjoy this, as it's been something I've been quite passionate about for a long time.

And of course, more to come.

[techrefreshing]

[theglobalcommonsnews]

Serbian student protesters march toward Novi Sad ahead of a planned bridge blockade to demand accountability for construction corruption. https://globalcommons.onrender.com/struggle/serbian_student_protesters_march_ahead_of_bridge_blockade_as_driver_rams_belgrade_demonstration/

[hmisabc]

[jan-media-tv]

NEET-UG 2024 Controversy | Supreme Court Tough on NTAExam may be recondu...

[brooklyndadshow]

Columbia is a disappointment

Every time Columbia does something evil involving protestors, I get this equally terrible email communication from the University president "justifying" their indefensible position as an institution that is supposed to be dedicated to education. I have a lot of things to say on this topic but I'm going to take my time to compose those ideas for the show next week. However, I had to ask AI what it thought - I thought this is such a ridiculous communication surely AI can point out easily why. I wasn't wrong. I gave it two prompts:

Prompt 1:

Please act as an expert in corporate communications. Can you provide a critique of this message from Columbia's president to Alumni and write some conclusions about educational values and priorities [ Pasted copy of email]

Full link to email is here.

Prompt 2:

I'm an African-American Alumni. I grew up in New York City. My dad was a civil rights lawyer for the NAACP LDF, He was then a Federal judge. One of his favorite writings is MLK's "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" I'm outraged each time I've received an email from the presidents and acting presidents over the last two years in response to protests. Please using this communication as example break down why, in conclusion - why I wouldn't my 11 year old daughter to ever consider going to Columbia - eventhough both her parents went there. Give me output as a NY Times style op ed as well as social media post

You can find the answer 2nd prompt here.

Response to 1st prompt:

Critique of Message from Columbia’s Acting President Claire Shipman

Tone and Style:

Strengths:

The message is calm, composed, and authoritative, which is crucial in high-stakes moments.

Personal presence is emphasized (“I spent the late afternoon and evening at Butler Library...”), suggesting hands-on leadership.

Gratitude toward Public Safety, faculty, and staff humanizes the response and reinforces institutional solidarity.

Weaknesses:

The letter leans heavily on law-and-order language while offering little empathy toward the motivations behind the protest, potentially alienating parts of the university community—especially students, faculty, or alumni concerned with academic freedom and protest rights.

Phrases like “hijacking a library”, “utterly unacceptable”, and “incensed” risk sounding reactionary and emotionally charged, which undermines the otherwise steady tone.

Clarity and Structure:

Strengths:

Chronology is clear; actions are laid out in a linear fashion with an emphasis on the University's response.

The message reaffirms Columbia’s commitment to campus safety and educational continuity.

Weaknesses:

The message muddles the boundaries between peaceful protest, civil disobedience, vandalism, and external agitators. It accuses but provides little transparent evidence or acknowledgment of context, which can come across as evasive or one-sided.

Lack of specificity about what slogans or damages occurred leaves space for speculation and erodes credibility.

Audience Awareness:

Strengths:

The letter directly addresses the concerns of alumni, students, faculty, and especially parents, indicating an awareness of stakeholders.

The concluding focus on Commencement and finals aims to center institutional pride and continuity.

Weaknesses:

There’s minimal attempt to acknowledge the deeply polarized climate on campus or the legitimate concerns that have driven recent protests around issues like Gaza and global conflicts.

Alumni familiar with Columbia’s legacy of protest and intellectual dissent may find the tone dismissive of civil disobedience as a core academic tradition.

Educational Values and Institutional Priorities:

From the message, we can draw several conclusions about the current priorities of Columbia University’s leadership:

Institutional Order Over Expression: The administration currently prioritizes operational stability and public image over accommodating dissent, even when that dissent is grounded in historical academic traditions of protest.

Protecting Academic Routines: A central value is placed on preserving the exam and study environment—emphasizing traditional academic performance metrics over broader civic engagement or inquiry into global justice.

Risk Management and Legal Compliance: Columbia’s leadership appears more aligned with crisis containment, public safety optics, and limiting reputational damage, particularly in the lead-up to high-profile events like Commencement.

Reframing the Narrative: The message stresses a need to “take back our narrative” and “return to business,” indicating an institutional discomfort with student-led actions that challenge that narrative.

Recommendations for Improvement:

A follow-up message could:

Include a public invitation for dialogue with students and faculty about civil disobedience, protest, and academic freedom.

Share more specifics or clarifications about the events in Butler Library to build trust through transparency.

Acknowledge broader social and geopolitical contexts fueling the unrest, demonstrating intellectual curiosity and moral awareness.

Would you like a version of this critique formatted for social media, a blog post, or a formal op-ed?

[blackhistorychatgpt]

Columbia you won't be educating my child

Prompt:

I'm an African-American Alumni. I grew up in New York City. My dad was a civil rights lawyer for the NAACP LDF, He was then a Federal judge. One of his favorite writings is MLK's "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" I'm outraged each time I've received an email from the presidents and acting presidents over the last two years in response to protests. Please using this communication as example break down why, in conclusion - why I wouldn't my 11 year old daughter to ever consider going to Columbia - eventhough both her parents went there. Give me output as a NY Times style op ed as well as social media post

Response:

Here is your request delivered in two parts:

📰 NY Times-Style Op-Ed

Title: Why My Daughter Won’t Be Applying to Columbia

By [Your Name]

I grew up in New York City, the son of a civil rights lawyer who fought for justice with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and later served as a federal judge. My father taught me to revere not just the letter of the law, but its soul. He often returned to Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” a document that challenged Americans to confront the difference between legality and morality.

It was that legacy that inspired me to attend Columbia University—twice, in fact. My wife is an alumna, too. And yet today, with a heavy heart, I can say with clarity: I do not want my 11-year-old daughter to apply to Columbia.

The university’s recent communication from Acting President Claire Shipman is just the latest in a long line of emails that make clear the institution has lost sight of its higher mission. These letters—meant to comfort—end up condemning. They invoke “order” more than “understanding,” “discipline” more than “dialogue.” They have consistently positioned student protest not as part of the university’s lifeblood, but as a threat to be neutralized.

In this most recent message, President Shipman refers to a protest at Butler Library as “chaos,” a “hijacking,” and an “utterly unacceptable” act—language that does more to invoke fear than to invite inquiry. The incident was treated primarily as a disruption to exam preparation. But the deeper disruption—the moral disruption that students are seeking to address, whether about genocide, discrimination, or global injustice—is never even named. The message speaks of slogans that were “disturbing” but never considers why students wrote them.

And that omission speaks volumes.

Columbia today feels less like the birthplace of student activism in 1968 and more like a polished fortress concerned with optics. The implicit message to students is: “Your job is to study, not to think too loudly or feel too deeply about the world’s injustices.” That is not the kind of intellectual or moral environment I want for my daughter.

I want her to study where truth matters more than appearances. Where protests are not policed away, but engaged with. Where the legacy of people like my father—and the ideas that fueled the civil rights movement—are not seen as a relic, but as a call to act. Columbia has made it clear through repeated statements that its first priority is to protect quiet halls and glossy brochures—not to nurture courageous thinkers.

When a university can’t tell the difference between civil disobedience and criminality, between activism and chaos, it forfeits its moral compass.

And so, Columbia, I say this not out of anger but out of love for what you once were and could be again: Until you remember the true purpose of education, you will not be educating my child.

📱 Social Media Post (Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn)

Text:

My dad was a civil rights lawyer for the NAACP LDF & later a federal judge. Letter from a Birmingham Jail was his compass. Both my wife & I went to Columbia. But I won't let our daughter apply. Why?

Because Columbia forgot what education is for. Because protest isn’t “chaos”—it’s courage. Because silence in the face of injustice is not neutrality, it’s complicity.

Claire Shipman’s latest email didn’t just fail to meet the moment—it failed the values this university was supposed to stand for. #Columbia #StudentProtest #CivilDisobedience #MLK #HigherEd

Would you like a version of this sent directly to Columbia’s alumni office or adapted for Medium/Substack?

[kampalaedgetimes]

Echoes of War: The Butere Girls High School Protest at the 2025 Drama Festival

In April 2025, Butere Girls High School in Kenya found itself at the center of a national controversy during the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival held in Nakuru. The uproar stemmed from their performance of Echoes of War, a provocative play written by former senator Cleophas Malala. Set in a fictional kingdom, the play portrays a tyrannical ruler in conflict with youth activists. Its…

[durantbarta]

ওএমআর শিট হাতে বিক্ষোভ, নেতাজি ইন্ডোরের বাইরে ধুন্ধুমার

https://durantbarta.com/kolkata/protesters-holding-omr-sheets-ruckus-outside-netaji-indoor-stadium

[niham21]

"Teacher Candidates Face Water Cannons & Batons – Protest Crackdown Sparks Outrage!"