Students, faculty and staff at Duke hold march asking university leaders to speak up

Thursday, April 17, 2025

Duke community holds campus march as part of National Day of Action

Organizers say Duke University leaders have made no comments in response to the Trump administration's actions against higher education.

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Concerned members of the Duke community are taking a stand along with campuses nationwide to push back against the Trump administration. They say the administration threatens international students, funding for higher education, and free speech across the U.S.

The march is part of a National Day of Action to defend Higher Education as a public good and a space for social equity and democratic values. Organizers say university leaders have been silent in response to Trump's executive order, including actions by the administration to withhold federal funds for universities that maintain their diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Members say they want university leaders to stand up to protect the community.