To Case Western Reserve University’s incoming Class of 2029: Everyone says it, and you’re probably getting tired of hearing it, but we’re living in uncertain times. As you get ready to step into the next stage of your life at such a contentious time, you face countless opportunities—many of which can make a difference not only in your own life but also in the lives of those being targeted by those in power.

At a time when speaking out against racism, nationalism, homophobia and many other unfair practices is being punished more and more severely, it’s of utmost importance that we continue to have each other’s backs. While administrations and companies may not be willing to stand up for our rights, we can take a stand for each other in big and small ways. We must push love over hatred and education over ignorance. Most importantly, we must be willing to have conversations with one another.

This school year started shakily, with a big topic of discussion even before the first day of classes being the university’s new protesting policy. The administration changed the policy in response to the pro-Palestine encampment during the 2024 spring semester—much to many students’ discontent—labeling it a disturbance and instating rules to prevent a protest of the same caliber again. This sentiment only worsened as the university took harsh punitive measures against encampment participants once the school year was underway. Thus, before the semester could begin, it felt as if the administration was not open to enacting certain changes based on student and faculty concerns. Some other early issues with the administration included housing concerns, as sophomores were ushered into the unfinished John Sykes Fayette and Mary Chilton Noyes Houses dormitories at higher-than-expected prices, and then came the widely criticized rebranding of the beloved CWRU logo.

Before long, though, the U.S. presidential election escalated concerns beyond the campus community and toward extreme governmental interference. Since President Donald Trump’s election, the school has been threatened with research funding cuts, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Engagement office has been terminated and now upward of a thousand international students around the country have begun to lose their visas. Additionally, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has raided a beloved local business—Cilantro Taqueria—spreading fear and panic around the community as immigrants and minorities are left wondering if they will be the next targets. Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 1, requiring “Ohio’s public universities [to post] course syllabi, [enforce] a mandatory civics course and expand[] review of faculty post-tenure.” Additionally, the bill prohibits DEI orientation, training and related descriptions in hiring practices. Higher education is being attacked from many different angles, and freedom of speech is constantly being threatened. As a result, the school is scrambling to protect the institution, relaying new, stomach-churning information what feels like every day.

Although this academic and societal landscape is grim in many ways, there is still much opportunity to make a difference and find community. There are still chances for us to work together to help alleviate some of these burdens. If we want a university that celebrates diversity, even with the dispersion of diversity initiatives, we’ll have to make our own initiatives. Rather than losing hope, we must remain set on our goals, believing we can genuinely create the environment we want to see. There is still hope as universities across the nation sign onto “A Call for Constructive Engagement,” a public statement that speaks out against recent excessive and illegitimate government interference.

These are not tasks that can be accomplished alone or fixed simply by placing names on a list, though. We must make sure we are taking care of ourselves by building our community. Don’t come to CWRU with rigid expectations about the person you will be. Instead, come to campus with an open mind and allow yourself to explore opportunities and interests without burning yourself out. There are many people—students, faculty and staff—who are willing to provide support for the troubles you are going through. Many of your peers are academically and socially in the same boat as you, so you will certainly find people you click with. CWRU holds countless fairs and showcases to display our talents and help us gain insight from each other—you just have to be open to engaging with them. These are not times when we can afford to succumb to gloom and helplessness.

Attend a protest, speak up when you feel you are being taken advantage of or find a group who can back you in case you need it. Write for The Observer to share your concerns with the campus community and take a break when needed. The fight for justice and peace is not linear, nor will it be simple to achieve, but you have many tools to start right at your fingertips. Good luck, Class of 2029. We know you’ll go on to do great things in your years here.