Academics and Students Rally for Higher Education: A Call to Combat Assaults on Learning Institutions

Amidst escalating federal pressures on educational institutions, a rally took place on April 17 at Schenley Plaza, where hundreds convened to defend academic freedom. University of Pittsburgh professor Kyaien Conner urged leaders to uphold core values against the Trump administration's demands. Participants advocated for unionization and students' rights while condemning reduction in research funding, prompting a call for solidarity among academic communities. Additionally, nearly 800 signatures have fortified a petition urging Pitt's administration to protect civil liberties. (Photo by Stephanie Strasburg/PublicSource)