The Student Press Law Center issued a media alert to school publications on April 4, including the following statement: 

“Ethical journalism demands that we minimize harm. We have issued this alert because our organizations believe student media may fail that obligation if they continue to adhere to the traditional guidelines in light of recent developments. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has weaponized lawful speech and digital footprints and has forced us all to reconsider long-standing journalism norms.”  

The warning went on to urge student publications to review anonymity policies, be transparent with sources and educate staff on the risks sources and writers may face if these guidelines are ignored. The SPLC felt it was necessary to release this statement following the arrest of Tufts University graduate student Rumeysa Ozturk, who co-authored an opinion piece criticizing the university’s response to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

In response to the warning, El Estoque updated its anonymity policies to protect sources and writers who may be threatened by the Trump administration’s immigration policy. Other educational institutions have taken strides to reaffirm protections for students regardless of immigration status, including FUHSD, who sent a notice to staff, parents and students promising “to create a safe, positive and welcoming climate for every student that walks through our doors.”

While the efforts that institutions are making to protect their students are critical, administrations need the support of communities to carry out policies. Now more than ever, it is important that students with legal citizenship recognize their privilege and use it to stand up for those endangered by Trump’s policies.

In addition to the press, other institutions are struggling to counter Trump’s attacks on undocumented immigrants. University leaders have advised threatened students to hire immigration lawyers while studying abroad. Prestigious colleges, including Cornell University and Duke University, are offering support for immigrants living in the area after hearing about ICE arrests around their campuses. 

The Trump administration’s agenda shows no signs of slowing. Rather, the scale of the government’s actions only appears to be growing, as it has recently begun deporting U.S. citizens convicted of crimes to El Salvador, blatantly violating of the 14th Amendment. The Trump administration has previously attempted to defy the Constitution and target not only undocumented immigrants, but also those with perceived opposing ideologies. The administration’s attempt to strike birthright citizenship reflects this broader trend of defiance in spite of legal resistance. 

It’s evident that no one is truly “safe” from the president’s threats, even with supposed protection from schools, making it increasingly critical that student activists take action. Youth advocacy has historically been effective. In 2018, students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School launched into protests after a school shooting killed 17 in 2018. This movement, called the March for Our Lives, is a primary example of students’ voices being heard. Students were able to rise to the occasion, creating lasting discussion and influencing policy change by engaging with the media and using broadcast journalism to reach the public. Following the protests, state legislators across the country, including 14 Republican-governed states, began passing laws to restrict gun access.

Still, despite the success, the effect of 2018’s gun control activism later came into question, with some arguing that advocates’ disruptive protests ultimately made little difference. Students may worry they too will be disregarded, believing they would have little power to affect policy, and that the Trump administration would not listen. Additionally, some believe it would be safer for students to stay out of the conflict, fearing they would become vulnerable for opposing the government.

However, public indifference like this has a historical precedent, where, eventually, everyone becomes vulnerable to new, aggressive legislation as a result of no one speaking out initially. In the words of German pastor Martin Niemöller, “Then they came for me / And there was no one left / To speak out for me.”  

For students, this can be done in a variety of ways. Consider investing time in volunteering at organizations like the International Rescue Committee or IRC, a team dedicated to providing humanitarian aid to refugees and aiding civilians in conflict. The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, a similar organization, provides legal protections as well as social and health services to refugees, trafficking survivors and immigrants in all 50 states. Providing financial support and actively volunteering in their events exhibits compassion and support in the most crucial times.

Most importantly, we need to express solidarity with those struggling as a consequence of Trump’s policies. These struggles may range from apparent, such as financial or career-related, or may be quieter, with several living in fear and struggling with mental health.

The simplest way one can contribute is to seek a greater level of understanding when it comes to immigration policies, topics and stories. With education, we can spread further awareness about the issues undocumented immigrants face and avoid succumbing to indifference.

What started with undocumented immigrants quickly expanded to journalists and will soon overwhelm everyone in opposition to the Trump administration. While our personal lives may feel untouched by the presidency, it is important that we extend empathy for those directly affected to ensure we preserve a fair, united community.