Earlier this month, the U.S. president announced a ban on “illegal” protests on college and university campuses, threatening to cut funding to any university that allows them.
Despite the threat, college students nationwide are engaging in protests. From denouncing the closing of DEI offices to the continued conflict in Gaza, students are gathering to express their frustration with the presidential administration.
On Wednesday, March 19th, students at the historic College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, participated in their own protest.
They marched peacefully on the sidewalks bordering the campus, chanting to express dissatisfaction with the political climate. While their signs were diverse in messaging–ranging from “free Palestine” to “Black Lives Matter” to “No Fascist USA”—the timing was meant to highlight the then-anticipated executive order abolishing the Department of Education, which the president signed the following day.
Not all student participants planned to be there. One student, who wished to remain anonymous, indicated that one of their professors mentioned the protest was happening later that day and encouraged students to participate if they could.
The student was inspired to join after studying collective action during the Civil Rights Movement this semester. They said, “If I want these issues to change, collective action seems like the best way to do it.”
Several passersby showed support honking car horns or waving from windows.
The College of William and Mary has expressed support for the students exercising their freedom of speech, regardless of political affiliation. A college webpage dedicated to activism and advocacy provides students with resources on how to advocate effectively within university policies.
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A bivocational pastor, writer and spiritual director based in Williamsburg, Virginia, she currently works as a Spiritual Director at Reclamation Theology. Cawthon-Freels is the author of Reclamation: A Queer Pastor’s Guide to Finding Spiritual Growth in the Passages Used to Harm Us (Nurturing Faith Books), and a contributing correspondent at Good Faith Media.
