Two apparently unrelated items spark this commentary. First was the headline in The Ithacan, March 28, 2024 editorial: “The College Must Support Student-Driven Advocacy.” Second was my finishing Doris Kearns Goodwin’s biography of Franklin Delano Roosevelt—in which she spends considerable space explaining FDR’s decision-making: how he brought the fiercely isolationist American public along to support America’s role in World War Two.

In an ideal world, a college campus is an environment that signifies progress and change. It is a space where like-minded young people are able to learn, grow and express what they believe. At Ithaca College, advocacy has always been a vital part of the campus community. However, it is not solely up to students to push for change. It is also the administration's responsibility to hear students' demands and respond with effective action.

The Open the Books coalition held a “Protest in the Snow” on Feb. 19 in response to the “Shape of the College” final recommendations.

Students for Labor Action hosted a rally Nov. 14 at Ithaca College to protest the Academic Program Prioritization process and impending faculty and staff cuts.

A professor teaching at Ball State University will be suspended after calling the police on a black student who refused to change seats.

Sophia and Connor take a look at the history of student protesting nationally and at Ithaca College. You can now listen to “In My Own Words” on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and Google Podcasts!