By The Keystone Newspaper Students and faculty contribute to statewide efforts for access and equity
By Katelynn Humbles
On April 17, KU faculty and students participated in the statewide Day of Action to Defend Higher Education, hosting tabling efforts in the McFarland Student Union (MSU) and Old Main to advocate for public access and institutional equity.
The initiative aimed to raise awareness about national threats to affordable higher education, including federal policy shifts under the Trump administration and challenges to DEIA efforts. Informational materials addressed student rights, immigration concerns, and the value of academic freedom.
Credit: Photography by Katelynn Humbles
Participants also collected contact information for future organizing and encouraged campus-wide involvement in protecting higher education as a public good.
Dr. Brandon Krieg emphasized the importance of visibility. “I was happy to be out with colleagues advocating for high-quality, affordable public higher education,” he said.
“For me, any advocacy I can provide to our students is what matters most,” said Dr. Johnathan Joy. “Education is a fundamental human right. It should never be in jeopardy.”
Both faculty noted strong student engagement and emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum through the summer and into the next academic year. The event concluded with continued conversations about policy, student rights, and the future of public higher education.