More than 40 students attended a Defend Democracy protest on West Virginia University’s campus in February, , which provided students an opportunity to voice their opinions on a range of national issues. These topics included LGBTQ+ rights, immigration raids, and the defunding of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs.
Christopher Reed, a WVU student who spearheaded the event, explained that he organized the protest to give his fellow students agency in the wake of current social and political challenges.
"A lot of people feel so powerless, like nothing can be done. But it’s not too late, and we do have actions we can take right now," Reed said.
The protest was sparked by recent executive orders from President Donald Trump and West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey that have reorganized WVU's DEI office and programs, which offer resources and support for minority students. These programs ensure equal opportunities for students from underrepresented backgrounds in higher education.
In 1980, students of color made up only 19 percent of undergraduate populations, but today, they make up more than half of college campuses. However, as funding for these programs is being cut, research suggests that universities may see less diversity in their incoming classes.
While many students are concerned, some at WVU remain indifferent about the changes.
"I don’t know a whole lot about it. I think they can help in some situations depending on the person and the class, but my stance isn’t too strong on either side," WVU student Rowdy Watkins said.
Despite this indifference, Reed believes in the power of activism and collective action.
"A single voice willing to stand up and say ‘Hey, I don’t like this’— that’s enough for people to rally around you," Reed said.
Currently, less than 20 percent of WVU’s undergraduate student population is non-white.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI then edited by human journalists for accuracy and clarity. WVU News leverages AI to enhance efficiency and accuracy while maintaining a strong commitment to ethical reporting and human oversight.