Yesterday, University of Cincinnati students staged a walk-out and march in protest. The Ohio students marched for Sudan, Congo, and Palestine, calling for U Cincinnati to disclose and divest. It turns out many college students don’t love it when their school funds genocide and human rights abuses. “Millions Displaced,” read one sign at the protest. “Divest From Death,” read another. While much of the world has turned its back on the suffering abroad, these students and others have refused to look away. That resistance to the imperial status quo? It’s something many U.S. colleges are cracking down on.
Ohio Students Protest at University of Cincinnati
Protests are spreading across America, and colleges have burned as hot as anywhere. A chant by the University of Cincinnati students made their protest demands clear: “We will not stop. We will not rest. Disclose. Divest.” Students want to know what their schools are investing in, and if it’s bad, they want that investment to stop. It’s telling that many U.S. colleges have refused to meet this request. University administrations that ignore student demands should probably expect protests like these to continue.
A TikTok by ahmadtheegyptian8 about the University of Cincinnati protests received over 2k likes and many supportive comments. “Powerful voices lifted for the voiceless. โค๏ธAmazing job,” said one commenter. Another shared their appreciation for the students, saying, “Proud of you, Cincinnati. You are the heroes of our time the start of this revolution. Thank you for your bravery.”
Public shows of compassion and solidarity? They’re always heartwarming when so much is so bleak. Students having the courage to protest despite government crackdowns? That’s pretty inspiring by itself. One commenter praised those responsible for raising the student demonstrators, saying,
“Raised by great parents. Humans stand for humanity. Hope, peace, love”
Students at the University of Cincinnati are far from alone in the troubles they face. Columbia and Tufts are just a couple of the other schools on the frontline of multiple social issues. Free speech and even the basic right to not be abducted and disappeared by one’s own government are under assault across America. As the Trump administration ramps up its campaign of silencing dissent, other voices will grow louder in defiance.
