Stockton University students and faculty held a rally on Tuesday, March 18, in the F-Wing Extension to protest the Trump administration and its policies regarding activism and Palestine.

“Never again for anyone, never again is now,” the crowd chanted in unison, led by Nazia Kazi, professor of Anthropology. The crowd repeated the phrase in support of the speakers.

Taking turns at the panel, faculty members discussed the potential dangers of President Donald Trump’s policies on the United States and the world. “Fascism, in essence, is the attempt to turn the world upside down and insist the world turned upside down is the truth,” declared Raz Segal, Associate Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies.

Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University activist, was arrested by federal immigration agents during a pro-Palestinian protest in New York on March 8. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution grants citizens the right to free speech, leading to criticism of Khalil’s arrest for protesting the Gaza genocide. “We have a constitutional right to criticize any state in the world. It’s a first amendment right, especially when it’s controversial,” remarked Segal.

The Alien Enemies Act of 1798 is being used to detain those opposing the Gaza genocide. “People protesting children being killed while they sleep are being rounded-up and are facing deportation, job loss, and criminal charges,” conveyed Adam Miyashiro, Professor of Literature. Miyashiro emphasized that this is a national law issue, adding that officials are unjustly using tear gas and rubber bullets on students during protests.

“The amount of access we have to education, videos, facts – it’s unacceptable to not be bothered at this point,” stated Fatima Khawaja, president of Students for Justice in Palestine. Citizens within the United States have taken conflicting standpoints in regards to the genocide within Gaza, but the instructors emphasize that it is crucial to pay attention to the information presented to the public. “Facts are the truth. There is only one kind of truth – science. Science cannot be perverted, no matter the regime,” remarked Ekaterina Sedia, Professor of Biology.

Jordan Corson, Associate Professor of Education, questioned the purpose of universities. While their primary function is to teach skills, knowledge, and education, Corson argued that universities often teach complacency, which students must learn to break in order to express their right to free speech. “Complacency is what makes the gears of fascism turn,” stated Corson.

Amid the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in educational institutions, Stockton has reaffirmed its commitment to its own policies. The university remains dedicated to fostering a community that values differences in “race, religion, gender, ethnicity, national origin, socio-economic status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, ability, or disability” according to its mission statement.

While Stockton remains committed to its DEI goals, students and faculty urge the campus to stay vigilant. “If you are not feeling rage, then your education is useless,” vowed Khawaja. The university continues to promote an inclusive campus environment, enhance faculty and staff diversity, and advance diversity and inclusivity education. Instructors encourage students to take advantage of these opportunities and stand up for what they believe. Sedia urged, “Your heart is the muscle the size of your fist. Keep fighting.”