Violence erupts at UC Davis Turning Point event | Investigation Underway (ABC10-Northern California)

March Update on Student Debt (Debt Collective)

The federal government is a sh*t show right now. From ICE abductions of pro-Palestine college students to proposed cuts to Social Security and Medicaid, the Trump administration is wreaking havoc on all of our communities.

We want to take a moment and specifically talk about student debt and higher education — work that we’ve been doing for a while now. Here’s some of what we know, what we think, and what we should do:

In recent days, the Trump administration issued an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education. Legally, this cannot be done without Congress, but in practice, this means most of the staff was simply fired. We talked a little bit about what that means for student debtors in this Twitter thread. In short, this makes the student debt crisis much worse.

Shortly after that, Trump ordered the entire federal student debt portfolio — all $1.7 trillion — to be moved from the Department of Education to the Small Business Administration (SBA). The Small Business Administration is another agency within the federal government. That means our collective creditor would still be the federal government. But will this move actually happen? Will our federal student loans somehow end up privatized? There is a LOT up in the air right now, and the short answer is we don’t know exactly what will happen, but we as debtors should remain nimble so we can exercise our collective power when we need to. Moving our student debt from the Department of Education to the SBA would be 1) illegal 2) administratively and practically difficult 3) lead to possible errors with your account.

If you haven’t already, we still highly recommend going to studentaid.gov and finding your loan details and downloading and/or screenshotting your history.

The traditional infrastructure we have long suggested debtors utilize to solve problems with their student debt — the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the FSA ombudsman team, etc — have either been undermined or outright destroyed. This means there are fewer and fewer ways for us, student debtors, to get answers to problems with our student debt accounts. But we shouldn’t let Congress off the hook — we should make student loans Congress’ problem. They’re elected to serve us and it’s their job to attend to your needs.

Our friends at Student Borrower Protection Center (SBPC) have put together a helpful tool to open a case at your member of Congress’s office.

Lastly, we want to talk about what we mean when we say Free College. Student debt has ruined lives, and will continue to as long as it exists. We shouldn’t have to borrow to pay for college — in fact, we shouldn’t have to pay at all. It should be free. And that’s what we’re fighting for. But our vision for College For All doesn’t stop at tuition-free — it means ICE and cops off campus; it means paying workers, faculty and staff a living wage; it means standing up for free speech; it means ending domestic and gender based violence on campus; and it means universities that function as laboratories for democracy and learning, not as laboratories for landlords and imperialism.

On April 17th, Debt Collective is co-sponsoring the National Higher Education Day of Action to demand our vision of College For All and oppose the hell the Trump administration is causing right now. Find an event near you HERE to participate — or start an event on your own!

And THIS SATURDAY – April 5th –we’re taking to the streets with hundreds of thousands of people across the country to tell Trump and Musk “Hands Off Our Democracy!” They’re stripping America for parts, and it's up to us to put an end to their brazen power grab. This will be one of the largest mass mobilizations in recent history — and we need you in the streets with us. There are hundreds of actions planned, find one to join near you HERE.

Whatever happens in the future, we will be more likely to win if we gird ourselves with each other’s stories and experiences so we can fight together. This is why we built a debtors’ union — the only virtual factory floor for debtors. Debt acts as a discipline and keeps people from joining the struggle for things we care about — but we can increase our numbers and build power by canceling unjust debts. We all share the same creditor and we need to stay connected to one another. Forward this email to a friend or family member and tell them to join the union and our email list so we can stay connected.

In Solidarity,

Debt Collective

Columbia University’s Interim President Resigns Amid Trump Administration’s Pressure Over Campus Activism

Columbia University’s interim president, Dr. Katrina A. Armstrong, resigned on Friday, just days after the university made significant concessions to the Trump administration in exchange for the restoration of $400 million in federal research funding. Armstrong's resignation follows a tumultuous period for the institution, already reeling from the departure of her predecessor, Minouche Shafik, in August 2024.

Armstrong, who had stepped into the role of interim president during a time of political and social unrest, faced mounting pressure over the university’s handling of pro-Palestinian student activism, which sparked national controversy and calls for accountability from political leaders, including former President Donald Trump and his administration. Armstrong’s resignation marks the latest chapter in a series of leadership shifts at Columbia as it navigates the increasingly polarized political environment surrounding campus protests.

 

Effective immediately, Claire Shipman, co-chair of Columbia’s Board of Trustees, has been appointed acting president. David J. Greenwald, chair of the Board of Trustees, praised Armstrong for her dedication to the university, acknowledging her hard work during a time of “great uncertainty.” Greenwald’s statement highlighted Armstrong’s contributions to the university, saying, “Katrina has always given her heart and soul to Columbia. We appreciate her service and look forward to her continued contributions to the University.” Armstrong, who will return to lead the Irving Medical Center, had taken on the interim presidency in a period marked by increasing tensions on campus over political activism and its fallout.

Political Pressure and Concessions to the Trump Administration

The resignation comes amid significant political pressure, as the Trump administration imposed a set of demands on Columbia in exchange for the release of crucial federal funding. Earlier this month, the administration presented the university with nine conditions to restore the $400 million in research grants that had been frozen over accusations of antisemitism linked to campus protests.

In an effort to regain the funding, Columbia conceded to these demands, which included a ban on students wearing masks to conceal their identities during protests, except for religious or health reasons. Additionally, Columbia agreed to hire 36 new campus security officers with the authority to arrest students involved in protests. The university also committed to increasing institutional oversight by appointing a new senior vice provost to monitor the university's Department of Middle East, South Asian, and African Studies.

Perhaps most notably, Columbia pledged to adopt a stance of “greater institutional neutrality,” a policy that the university said would be implemented after working with a faculty committee. The decision was seen as an attempt to quell political tensions while navigating the contentious issues surrounding student activism.

A Leadership Crisis at Columbia University

Armstrong’s resignation follows the departure of Minouche Shafik, who faced widespread criticism for her handling of campus protests against the war in Gaza. Under Shafik’s leadership, Columbia became a focal point of national debates about free speech, activism, and the role of universities in responding to global conflicts. Shafik ultimately resigned after facing intense scrutiny for her handling of the protests and the occupation of an academic building by students, an incident that ended with NYPD officers forcibly removing the students.

In Armstrong’s case, her tenure was similarly marred by controversies surrounding the university’s response to the growing political activism on campus. The university's handling of pro-Palestinian protests, particularly those related to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, led to calls for stronger action from political figures, especially within the Republican Party. Armstrong’s decision to oversee negotiations with the Trump administration over the university’s federal funding placed her at the center of a storm of political and social unrest, further intensifying the pressure on her leadership.

Columbia's Future Amidst Political Turmoil

The resignation of Armstrong is a significant moment for Columbia, as the institution grapples with the broader implications of political activism within academia and the increasing role of government in shaping university policies. As the university enters another phase of leadership instability, the question remains: how will the next president balance the competing demands of activism, free speech, and political pressures from outside forces?

Columbia’s decision to adopt a policy of institutional neutrality and increase security measures reflects the complex and polarized environment that universities are navigating in today’s political climate. The growing influence of political figures like Trump and the scrutiny placed on universities over their responses to student protests signal a new era for higher education, one where the lines between campus activism and political power are increasingly blurred.

As the search for a permanent president continues, Columbia University will need to chart a course that both addresses the concerns of its diverse student body and faculty while navigating the external pressures that have shaped the university’s recent trajectory. The role of universities in fostering open dialogue, supporting activism, and protecting the rights of students will likely continue to be a central issue in higher education for years to come.

Conclusion

The resignation of Katrina Armstrong adds to a growing list of university presidents who have faced intense political pressure and scrutiny over campus activism, particularly surrounding Middle Eastern and global conflicts. Columbia’s next steps will be crucial not only for the future of the institution but also as a bellwether for how universities across the country navigate the increasingly complex landscape of political activism, academic freedom, and government intervention. The institution’s response to these challenges will undoubtedly have long-term implications for the role of higher education in a polarized society.

Tufts University student detained. Protest follows. (WCVB Channel 5 Boston)

An international student from Tufts University has been detained. Rumeysa Ozturk, 30, was meeting friends for iftar, a meal that breaks a fast at sunset during Ramadan when she was arrested.  

Video obtained by The Associated Press appears to show six people, their faces covered, taking away Ozturk’s phone as she yells and is handcuffed. 

According to the Tufts Daily, "Rumeysa Ozturk, is a Turkish national and doctoral candidate in the Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development. Ozturk is a teaching fellow, works as a doctoral research assistant at Tufts’ Children’s Television Project and completed a master’s degree at Teachers College, Columbia University, as a Fulbright Scholar."

Ozturk co-wrote an op-ed in The Tufts Daily criticizing the university’s response to its community union Senate passing resolutions that demanded Tufts “acknowledge the Palestinian genocide,” disclose its investments and divest from companies with direct or indirect ties to Israel.

After the arrest, hundreds of Tufts students protested.  

This arrest is consistent with Trump Administration efforts to intimidate and deport Muslim foreign students. Students from Cornell, Georgetown, Columbia University have also been detained.  

University of North Carolina Students Collaborate for Change in Gaza (UNC Mirror)

From the University of North Carolina Mirror: 

If a student were to walk through campus in late April of last year, they would have been met with a group of masked students with anti-war signs in an encampment near McKee Hall. The scene seems to be straight out of the '60s or '70s, mirroring the Vietnam War campus protests almost exactly. The only difference is that it is no longer for Vietnam, but rather for the Palestinian genocide. 

“Greeley Students for Palestine work to raise awareness for the genocide occuring against Palestinians,” the group said in an official statement. “We aim to do this through educating ourselves and the community on colonialism/imperialism and its effects, as well as fundraising and mutual aid.” 

US Department of Education calls for an end to social justice and equity. What will universities do?

On February 14, the US Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, called on universities to end efforts for social justice and equity.  

There was no mention in the letter about legacy admissions at elite and highly selective universities which systematically discriminate because of social class.  

According to the Dear Colleague letter:

The law is clear: treating students differently on the basis of race to achieve nebulous goals such as diversity, racial balancing, social justice, or equity is illegal under controlling Supreme Court precedent.

The Higher Education Inquirer will document those with power in higher education who fall in line and are complicit in these anti-democratic efforts. 

We hope there will be dissenters with power, university presidents, trustees, and donors, who are willing to come forward and organize others to do the same thing. But we know that struggles like this cannot depend on those with power to step forward. 

We pray that these people in power, at the very least, will not prohibit action from students who want to exercise their God-given civil rights, including First Amendment rights of speech and assembly.

Stay tuned for more articles. 

Supporting CUNY Students Demanding Divestment at CUNY Public Hearing (Rabbi Dovid Feldman)

From Neturei Karta:

On February 10, 2025, students and activists gathered at the CUNY College Board of Trustees Public Hearing to demand divestment. Rabbi Dovid Feldman stood in solidarity with the students, supporting their call for justice and urging them not to be intimidated by false Zionist accusations. This powerful moment highlights the growing movement for divestment and the unwavering courage of those standing up for what is right. The rallying cry was clear: "Divest! We will not stop; we will not rest!"

Protesters Interrupt Israeli History Class at Columbia University With Anti-Zionist Fliers (Storyful News and Weather)

The CUNY 8 Face Charges for Palestine Solidarity Protest (Black Agenda Report)

We’re joined by Nora Fayad, one of the CUNY 8. Nora and seven others were charged for their Palestine solidarity protest at City College, a campus in the City University of New York (CUNY) system. On April 30 they were arrested and charged with felony burglary and accused of attempting to enter a campus building without permission. Nora Fayad and others are concerned community members who joined the protests yet are condemned as being "outside agitators." She joins us from New York City to discuss their court case.

Related links:

Student Protests

 

Defending DEI Programming at the University of Michigan

More than 500 people have signed a petition in favor of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programming that has been part of the University of Michigan for years, and a rally was held yesterday in support of the programs. 

According to the petition:

It has been confirmed by multiple sources that the Regents met earlier this month in a private meeting with a small subgroup of central leadership members, and among the topics discussed was the future of DEI programming at UM, including possibly defunding DEI in the next fiscal year. Our understanding is that the Regents may announce or vote to implement the plan as early as December 5th (their next scheduled meeting), before the inauguration of President Donald Trump.

Diversity, equity, and inclusivity are imperative to address systemic and structural inequities. They are also stated core values of the University of Michigan. We must remind the Regents that changes to DEI are not in their mandate, which is purely financial oversight, and we must remind them of the importance of shielding our ethical commitments from political pressure.

'4B' (4 Nos) movement picks up steam in U.S. after election (NBC News)

The “4B" movement is trending on social media after Donald Trump won the presidential election. In the US, it is also called "4 Nos" and "Lysistrata." Originating in South Korea, the feminist campaign includes no giving birth, dating or having sex with men. NBC News’ Emilie Ikeda details why this trend is gaining steam.

  

Related links:

Student Protests in the Higher Education Inquirer

Methods of Student Nonviolent Resistance 

Tens Of Thousands Of Students Went Cycling At Night (CNN) 

Perspective After a Trump Victory

It is clear that when thousands demonstrate over a prolonged period dramatic changes can be made. People have wrought changes in the past, and they will continue to do so. Dr. DuBois, the great Negro historian, wrote in his "Farewell Message": "Always human beings will live and progress to greater, broader and fuller life. The only possible death is to lose belief in this truth because the great end comes slowly; because time is long..." We should proceed calmly and with optimism—our actions tempered always by our perception of reality.

Bettina Apthekar, Big Business and the American University (1966)

Higher Education Uncensored

The Higher Education Inquirer is a rare space for students (consumers), workers, debtors, and community members to speak the truth about higher education and its most important issues, including the truth related to climate change and environmental destruction, human rights, student rights and worker rights, mass surveillance and policing, sexual assault and rape culture, racism and bullying, mental illness and suicide prevention, hypercredentialism, student loan debt and underemployment, NCAA money sports, higher education scams, cheating, and AI, university endowments, land theft and gentrification by universities, and any issues that are too politically charged for other news outlets to consider.

HEI fills this role because many student newspapers cannot perform that service. No mainstream media outlet (large or industry niche) or nonprofit can do that either. In those cases, the purse strings affect what is published and what isn't. Writers and editors are censored, and sometimes they censor themselves to avoid retribution or the possibility of retribution. If you are a student journalist, whistleblower, or concerned citizen, we invite you to submit your work to us. If you have a petition or an event, or want to leak documents anonymously, please let us know.  

Related links:

Ahead of the Learned Herd

 

Good ideas are stolen. Great ideas are buried. We uncover both. And we publish them.  

A People's History of Higher Education in the US