Student protest can be a powerful tool in the fight for social change. It can elicit headlines and force schools to take action, whether that’s divesting from Israel or holding a die-in for Palestinian rights. But student activists must balance their right to free speech with the needs of their college communities—and that can be tricky.
Many students are motivated by what matters most to them, from fighting for racial justice and equal opportunity to opposing gun violence on campus. And as a result, student activism is still going strong today. But the ways that students organize and communicate their messages are changing, with social media empowering them to spread their ideas more quickly and broadly.
Today’s student protesters are influenced by movements from the Civil Rights and Vietnam War eras, with tactics including sit-ins, building takeovers, and mass rallies. But they’re also using social media to rally support and grab attention, often with more sway than ever before.
Students may also engage in “civil disobedience,” which involves breaking a law or a school policy to make a point. Acts of civil disobedience are especially powerful because they show a strong belief that what you’re doing is morally right. But students who participate in civil disobedience should understand that they’re putting their academic careers and futures on the line.
For example, in 2021, Columbia University students occupied Hamilton Hall and set up an encampment on Low Library’s steps to push their school to divest from companies that do business with Israel. They’re not giving up until their demands are met.