MUNCIE, Ind. – Ball State University has seen a higher rate of student-led demonstrations, with participants calling for accountability from university leadership and a stronger student voice in decision-making.
Protests have been popping up all around high-traffic areas like the Scramble Light, Student Center, or Peace Plaza. Students are raising concerns ranging from free speech and staff support to broader political and social issues.
“I think it’s really important to exercise my First Amendment right as a student and to show we are not afraid of the Board of Trustees,” said first year student Amielia Thompson.
Organizers are also pushing for the university to divest from companies they think are linked to genocide and are calling for leadership changes, including the removal of Board Vice Chair Brian Gallagher and University Police Officer Michael Conner.
“If we can’t get those in leadership to make a change, it’s going to be on us as students to make that change,” Joseph Souza, one of the organizers, said.
He also added that right now in our political climate, we need to be encouraging these conversations on our campus, saying “We need to be acknowledging what's happening in our country because otherwise, things are gonna continue getting worse.”
Chad Kinsella, assistant professor of political science, said the demonstrations reflect both the growing role of social media in student activism and raised political awareness.
“Students today are very active online, and organizers can quickly bring people together at a rate we haven’t seen before,” Kinsella said.
He added that current tensions and anxiety about political issues contribute to this energy.
“It’s a campus where students are really in tune with these topics," Kinsella explained. "They are tapping into issues they care about and mobilizing effectively.”
Kinsella noted that the timing and coordination of protests are crucial for impact. “The right place at the right time draws attention, and that can determine whether leadership responds or not.”
Students say these demonstrations are part of a longer effort, with more planned events aimed at pushing the university to listen and act.
Contact Demar Robinson with any questions at the email demarcus.robinson@bsu.edu.
