In recent months, universities across the country have intensified their crackdowns on student protests, undermining one of the fundamental pillars of higher education: the right to free speech and direct action. From the suppression of solidarity movements for global human rights, such as the Gaza solidarity encampments, to watchlists that stigmatize professors and students with progressive views, these attacks are eroding the very purpose of a university — to be a space for debate, dissent, and the pursuit of justice.

Student activism has historically been a powerful force for social change, whether it’s fighting for civil rights, labor justice, or climate action. Today’s students are no different — they are taking bold, courageous stances against injustice both on and off-campus. Yet, rather than engaging with these movements, universities are silencing them, using punitive measures to discourage direct action, policing, and labeling dissenting voices as a threat. These actions harm our campuses, chilling speech, intimidating students, and preventing the exploration of ideas that contribute to the common good.

By cracking down on protest and free speech, universities are betraying their mission to be sanctuaries of open inquiry and democratic participation. We call on universities to end the punitive measures against student activists, respect their rights to protest, and foster a campus environment where free speech thrives for all.

We demand:

• An immediate end to the criminalization of student protests.
• Clear, transparent policies that protect the rights of students to peacefully assemble and express dissent without fear of retaliation.
• A commitment from university administrations to engage in good faith with student activists, rather than policing and punishing them.

Sign this petition to urge universities to stand up for free speech, protect student rights, and restore campuses as spaces of learning, activism, and social progress. Together, we can ensure that our universities honor their commitment to justice and the common good. Our future depends on it.

Act now. Sign and share this petition. Let’s protect the right to protest!