Research shows demonstrations unite communities around important causes and help students learn how to advocate for change. It helps them find their voice and self-efficacy and to feel like leaders instead of victims as they engage in difficult conversations. As a critical race theorist who promotes diversity of thought and increased representation of minoritized populations in policy making positions, I have participated in my share of demonstrations across the country and believe demonstrations serve an important purpose.
Students across the country are doing much heavy lifting as they lead the charge to force universities to review policies and procedures through strong advocacy and demonstrations. Demonstrations were held against ICE and Border Patrol at University of Arizona, Arizona State University, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, University of Colorado and Oregon Health Science University.
Often demonstrations come after advocacy for change is perceived to have failed. It is an escalation meant to show administrations the urgency of the situation.
Yet student demonstrators are often charged with misdemeanors and sometimes more serious charges to thwart their efforts and make them an example for others.
As students flex their intellectual muscles, their voice needs to be fostered, not quashed on campuses across the country.
For students, higher education is a time of growth, exploration and learning how to be critical thinkers and problem solvers who advocate for change. Quashing demonstrations and difficult conversations does not encourage leaders to think outside the box. It does not help young people find their voice or encourage them to be much needed change agents and transformational leaders.
Recent campus demonstrations across the country over controversial speakers, DACA, immigration policies, border patrol presence on campus and removal of Confederate monuments are examples of important issues requiring constructive dialogue and thought leadership.
