Arizona Students Demand Action at Capitol to Shield Education from Trump Policies

Democratic lawmakers and students convened at the state Capitol on Monday, urging action to protect higher education funding and shield students from recent federal policies under the Trump administration.

The Arizona Students’ Association, supported by various progressive groups, rallied to emphasize the need for affordable higher education and to address attacks on campus speech and the stigmatization of marginalized groups, including international and LGBTQIA+ students.

During his second term, Trump has focused on criticizing higher education institutions, particularly those promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Responses vary among universities nationwide, as many examine their DEI programs to comply with new mandates from the U.S. Department of Education aimed at reducing federal support.

In Arizona, local community colleges are reassessing their curricula to avoid losing federal funding amid the new directives. Proposed changes to federal Pell grants risk decreasing financial support for students, further complicating their academic journeys.

The state’s budget constraints have already impacted universities, with a 10% cut affecting nearly all state agencies due to a projected budget deficit. According to Sen. Lauren Kuby, D-Tempe, this has resulted in relentless tuition hikes.

Student funding is now a focal point in budget negotiations as lawmakers strive to prevent further cuts. Rep. Cesar Aguilar, D-Phoenix, remarked on the challenges posed by competing budget needs that consistently push higher education funding to the sidelines.

Lawmakers are navigating a particularly difficult landscape this year, with uncertainties around federal Medicaid cuts potentially complicating state budget deliberations. Aguilar highlighted the urgency of finalizing a baseline budget amid these concerns.

Students like Stefany Valenzuela from Arizona Western College voiced their anxieties about the future. For many, Pell grants serve as essential financial lifelines. In the 2022-23 academic year, 34% of Arizona’s undergraduates received such assistance.

Despite federal aid, many students still face challenges, including food insecurity. Organizations like Pitchfork Pantry and Sun Devil Swipes at Arizona State University are addressing this pressing issue, which affected 26% of students in 2021.

Advocates announced plans to introduce the “Hunger Free Campus Bill” in the next legislative session, drawing inspiration from similar laws elsewhere.

Concerns about immigration enforcement in educational settings also surfaced during the rally. Incidents involving the revocation of student visas and reports encouraging students to inform on peers to ICE have alarmed many.

ASU student Maria Blandon emphasized the need for safe learning environments, stating, “ICE has no place in a learning environment. Let’s build campuses where everyone belongs.”