Why are College Students Protesting? A 10-Step Guide for University Leadership

Kevin Donahue   |     August 22, 2024

The beginning of a new academic year for the nation’s colleges and universities brings with it heightened concerns over renewed and protests on college campuses in an escalating socio-political environment. How and when should institution leaders communicate their approach?  What impact will the decisions they make regarding student and professorial conduct, protestors’ demands, and campus security have on the reputation of their institutions? How should higher education leadership prepare?

2023-2024 Academic Year May be a Precursor

The last academic year saw college protests at more than 130 colleges and universities – small, medium and large, as well as public and private – across the country in 45 states and Washington D.C. Students were demonstrating in opposition to antisemitic and anti-Palestinian rhetoric and actions tied to the ongoing war in Gaza (BBC News). Activists used rallies, sit-ins, hunger strikes, encampments and more to make their points and try to force change at their respective institutions.

There’s reason to believe that last year’s campus activity may just be a precursor to what’s in store in the coming months, fueled by a combination of factors, including:

• Escalating Middle East Conflict. The ever-widening conflict in the Middle East will continue to invoke strong emotions and polarize campus communities, leading to potential disruptions and upheaval.
• Political Polarization. A volatile election season that has already turned violent may lead to heightened political tensions on campuses as protestors with differing ideologies focus on election integrity and outcomes, candidate support or opposition, and more.
• Social Justice Concerns. Issues such as reproductive rights, racial and ethnic equality, LGBTQIA+ protections, immigration policy, climate action and more continue to fuel social justice movements.

10 Strategies for College Boards and Administrators

In this environment, the challenge of balancing free speech with safety and inclusivity is a significant concern for university officials. Many institutions are working to create environments that support free expression while ensuring the safety and security of all students​.

These 10 strategies will help higher education leaders navigate the mounting tensions and create a campus environment that supports free expression while ensuring safety and inclusivity.

1. Develop Clear, Written, Transparent Policies and Procedures and SHARE Them. Update policies and procedures relating to campus protests and political speech, including use of campus grounds and facilities, and the consequences for non-compliance. Make sure these policies are clear, easily accessible, and communicated to all campus stakeholders.
2. Promote Internal Dialogue. Creating platforms for open dialogue can help address student, faculty and staff concerns and channel them into productive conversations before they escalate into larger protests. Organizing forums, town halls, panel discussions and more that allow students, faculty and staff to express their views and engage with administrators internally may dissuade them from taking their protest outside directly to media, donors and other outside stakeholders through higher-visibility venues.
3. Enhance Security Plans and Local Law Enforcement Relationships. Develop and update comprehensive safety plans, including risk assessments and necessary coordination with local authorities, first responders, and community organizations to help manage large gatherings and prevent violence.
4. Foster Inclusivity. Work towards an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and respected, and where marginalized groups feel safe and supported on campus.
5. Engage and Educate: Involve internal campus stakeholders in decision-making processes and provide educational opportunities on the importance of free speech and respectful discourse.
6. Develop/Update a Formal, Written Crisis Management & Communications Structure and Plan. A written and updated Crisis Management & Communication Plan (Plan) plays a crucial role in preparing colleges and universities to effectively respond to and manage activism and protests:
   • Establish a formal structure with a dedicated Crisis Management Team (CMT) with representatives from administration, security, student affairs, alumni relations, development, communications, and more
   • Detail roles and responsibilities of CMT members
   • Set clear communications protocols that guide the institution on disseminating timely and accurate information to all stakeholders to keep them informed and help build trust
7. Run a Diagnostic Tabletop Exercise. Having an updated Plan and structure in place is important. Pressure-testing those components through a diagnostic Tabletop Exercise will help identify any gaps or weaknesses in the institution’s Crisis Preparedness posture so those can be addressed before a potentially violent protest breaks out.
8. Deploy and Communicate a Strategy to Balance Freedom of Speech and Campus Safety. Setting clear guidelines on acceptable behavior and the boundaries of free expression will help higher education leaders navigate the delicate balance between the right to free speech on college campuses with the need to maintain campus safety.
9. Make a Commitment to Provide Timely and Transparent Communications to ALL Stakeholders. Utilize multiple communications channels (email, social media, campus websites, phone calls, etc.) to share important information in a transparent and timely fashion. Keeping the entire campus community informed (students and their parents, faculty, staff, donors, public officials, the community, etc.) about an evolving, ongoing situation, decisions and future actions is key to maintaining trust and dispelling misunderstanding and rumors.
10. Forge Partnerships to Strengthen Preparedness & Response. A key tool in Crisis Management is collaborating with first responders and local law enforcement and emergency services before a protest or other campus activism gets out of hand. Connect with other institutions to share best practices and learn from their experiences.

College and university leadership face an increasingly complex and threatening set of challenges that threaten to raise the stakes and the public profile of escalating campus protests and other student activism. Leaders who put a plan in place that helps ensure the safety and security of all involved and balances free speech with a commitment to inclusivity will be in a strong position to weather the coming storms and emerge with their institution’s reputation intact – or even enhanced – in the minds of their most important internal and external stakeholders.