US: Northwestern University students, staff protest Trump administration’s crackdown on schools

Students and faculty at Northwestern University in Illinois protested against the Trump administration’s recent education policies, particularly the freezing of $790 million in federal funding for “human rights investigations,” Anadolu Agency reported.

The demonstration on Thursday called on the university administration to defend the rights of students, staff, and faculty. Student representatives expressed concerns over the administration’s justification for its actions, accusing it of using claims of combating antisemitism as a pretext to suppress free speech.

University official Mark Hoffman criticized federal policies like student visa cancellations and financial aid restrictions, saying they undermine the right to protest. Hoffman added that President Donald Trump aims to eliminate opposition from individuals and institutions. The protest was part of a nationwide movement, with demonstrations occurring at over 250 colleges and universities across the US, aiming to raise awareness and reclaim higher education from political interference.