Protesting will always remain a significant part of this nation’s history, but what will it be in the future?

Critics of on-campus debate and protest argue that student activism has declined over the years, developing into “slacktivism.” Social change comes about through the participation of each individual that is passionate enough to fight against social injustices.

The 1960s sparked a major transformation for students on college campuses and for protesting altogether. Students were going out and expressing their beliefs for their country to see and hear. They no longer tolerated the indecency of what was going on in the country at the time, specifically concerning civil rights and the Vietnam War.

Recently, Howard University students led a protest against LGBT intolerance. The students acted in opposition to the Westboro Baptist Church, notorious for their anti-LGBT presence.

Social media came into play as the students used the hashtag #BlackLoveMatters.

This is just one example of the importance of public protesting and students exercising their right to do so peacefully, and it’s something I think we need to see more of.

Student activism on and off college campuses is changing. Social media and other immense shifts in the way we consume and create news has altered the main focuses and platforms of particular movements.

The Internet has become an instrument in the success of resolving issues and bringing attention to things that would ultimately be ignored or forgotten.

MSU has several actively vocal student groups and organizations, but I wonder if they fear being reprimanded for their participation.

Universities should encourage peaceful and lawful protest. Through this, they can help assist in the resolving of an issue or realize if they were the cause of the problem.

A partnership of sorts could become a valuable resource for any university if they encourage their students to protest. After all, the main purpose of educating people is the hope that they will one day go out and change the world for the better.

Students have valuable voices for the future of this country. If the opinions of students are ignored, then the progress of our nation will cease.

There is a distinct difference between wishing away the issues of the world and actively assisting in the reconstruction of failing social institutions.

The phrase “You can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk?” represents the mindset behind free speech and protesting.

A person can have a set of beliefs they defend only if an appropriate conversation appears or they can go out into the world and share them on a platform that our country allows without a second thought of judgement. All it takes is one brave soul to go out and tell their peers why they need to speak up.

Perspectives are of massive importance, and students are meant to challenge decisions and speak their mind like any other human being. It is a right, but also a privilege.

That right should not be forgotten or adapted in order to prevent change. I hope MSU will be a forward institution and see the positive outcomes from listening to their people.

For those who choose to silence the free-speaking warriors: Do you hear the people sing?