In this special episode of Reclaiming Free Speech, Democracy, and Discourse on Campus, host Dr. J. Cody Nielsen sits down with Dr. Charles H.F. Davis III, Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan and scholar of race, systems of oppression, and student activism. Together, they unpack the implications of Donald Trump’s re-election, the challenges of free speech on campus, and the broader societal forces shaping higher education. This episode delves deep into student activism, higher education’s colonial roots, and the ways administrators and educators must navigate the ongoing struggle for justice and equity.

Key Takeaways

• Student Activism Reflects Broader Sociopolitical Realities: Campus movements—whether for Black Lives Matter or pro-Palestinian rights—mirror larger societal struggles, challenging higher education’s historical role as a site of exclusion and privilege.
• Higher Education and Systems of Power: Colleges have long been intertwined with colonialism, capitalism, and racialized oppression. Deconstructing these systems requires critical reflection and moral courage from institutional leaders.
• The Role of Administrators: University administrators must prioritize people over prestige and resist suppressive policies that target student activism, particularly around anti-democratic and oppressive issues.
• Self-Care in the Struggle for Justice: Individual and communal care are critical. Dr. Davis highlights the importance of collective healing, family, and finding spaces for joy and restoration amid ongoing activism.
• The Trump Administration’s Impact: A second Trump term amplifies existing tensions, but the struggle for justice and liberation remains constant—organizers must double down on efforts to improve material conditions for marginalized communities.

What Role Does Student Activism Play in the Current Political Landscape?
Dr. Charles H.F. Davis III outlines how campus activism has always reflected broader sociopolitical contexts. From the Black Lives Matter movement to pro-Palestinian organizing, students are at the forefront of confronting oppressive systems and demanding institutional accountability. Dr. Davis connects today’s student movements to historical activism, such as the Black Campus Movement of the 1960s and the role of ethnic studies programs in democratizing higher education. He highlights that institutions often resist meaningful change unless forced by organized collective action.
How Has Higher Education Historically Maintained Systems of Oppression?
Dr. Davis dives into higher education’s colonial roots, emphasizing how campuses were built on stolen land and the labor of enslaved Black individuals. These structures persist today, manifested in racialized exclusion, elitism, and suppression of dissent. Administrators must confront their complicity in upholding oppressive systems and commit to re-centering people over profits, productivity, and prestige. He challenges leaders to reflect on their roles and question whether they are truly serving students or perpetuating institutional harm.
What Should Higher Education Leaders Do in the Face of Political Suppression?
Reflecting on the Trump administration’s impact, Dr. Davis notes that institutions have increasingly adopted suppressive policies, weaponizing campus and municipal policing to silence student protests. He urges administrators to act with “moral and political courage,” protecting students rather than criminalizing their activism. By aligning with community values and rejecting reactionary policies, leaders can challenge anti-democratic behaviors and support a more just higher education system.
How Do We Balance Activism with Personal and Collective Well-Being?
Recognizing the emotional and physical toll of activism, Dr. Davis emphasizes the importance of collective care and healing. He advocates for communal approaches to self-care—rejecting individualism in favor of shared spaces for rest, reflection, and joy. Whether through family, community organizing, or physical activities like running, activists must prioritize well-being to sustain their long-term efforts.

Guest Name: Dr. Charles H.F. Davis III

Guest Social: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hfdavis/
www.campusabolition.org

Guest Bio: Dr. Charles H.F. Davis III is a third-generation educator, organizer, and artist committed to the lives, love, and liberation of everyday Black people. Named a 2020 Emerging Scholar by Diverse Issues in Higher Education and a 2021 NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellow, Dr. Davis  is currently an assistant professor in the Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education at the University of Michigan. As director of the Campus Abolition Research Lab, Dr. Davis’ research broadly explores the racialized consequences of higher education on society. He has produced more than three dozen publications including research articles, books, and scholarly essays as well as several short and feature-length films.

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Connect With Our Host:
Mallory Willsea 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

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