Washington D.C, A UN expert has issued a stark warning about the suppression of student protests on U.S. college campuses, emphasizing a troubling trend towards diminishing intellectual freedom and democratic values in educational settings. The statement came from Farida Shaheed, the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to education, who concluded her 10-day visit to the United States today.
According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Shaheed expressed deep concern over the harsh responses to peaceful student demonstrations, including “arrests, detentions, police violence, surveillance, and disciplinary actions.” She underscored a worrying pattern of unequal treatment, particularly against pro-Palestinian demonstrators who have been active across various universities in recent weeks.
These student protests have largely been anti-war demonstrations, with many participants advocating for a ceasefire and urging university administrations to reconsider their investment ties with Israel amidst ongoing conflicts in Gaza. The response to these protests, as Shaheed pointed out, signals a significant erosion of core academic and democratic principles, including the freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly.
Shaheed’s visit also coincided with an alarming rise in educational gag order bills across the United States, with 307 such initiatives introduced since January 2021. These legislative efforts have led to book bans and curriculum restrictions that contribute to a chilling effect on the free exchange of ideas within educational settings.
Highlighting broader issues in the U.S. education system, Shaheed noted that chronic underfunding has led to severe disparities, particularly impacting teacher availability and student mental health resources. She criticized the heavy reliance on local property taxes for education funding, which disproportionately affects low-income and marginalized communities.
During her visit, which included stops in Washington D.C., Indiana, and Colorado, Shaheed observed a complex and decentralized education system in the U.S., marked by varied state laws and constitutional provisions. This decentralization, she argued, often exacerbates educational inequalities.
In her concluding remarks, Shaheed urged federal and state governments to recognize education as a fundamental human right and to ensure equitable access for all students, regardless of their socioeconomic status or background. She also called for the removal of police presence from schools, advocating instead for investment in counselors and social workers to foster a safer, more supportive educational environment.
The Special Rapporteur plans to present a full report on her findings and recommendations to the Human Rights Council in June 2025.