Every day brings another devastating news headline. 

Another natural disaster destroying hundreds of homes, another shooting that killed and injured many and another dropped bomb destroying civility. I shut off my phone, feeling helpless. 

As college students, we are given the wonderful opportunity of being in the same place as others who may think alike. This gives us the ability to gather students who want to come together for a common cause and fight the good fight. 

We must take the time to bring attention to issues we care about, whether that be at a university level or nationwide. 

Related: OPINION: USF should not hire a politician as university president

Activism led by students have long been loud and important voices when inspiring change. 

There is a memorable history of these movements from civil rights marches and sit-ins in the 1960s, Vietnam War and free speech protests of the 1970s, all the way to Black Lives Matter marches in the 2010s and 2020s. 

USF has been home to protests, such as an anti-war protest on Fowler Avenue in the 1980s and a mass demonstration in the 1970s to bring attention to the student deaths at Kent State University. 

What we are fighting for may change over time but one thing remains – students are the voices of the young and passionate, the people of tomorrow’s new world. 

Protests on campuses often hit the country like a wave – once one starts, it will not be long until other students start one at their own universities. When this happens, it is inspiring to see the unity among students across the globe calling for action. 

One instance occurred last April when Columbia University students set up encampments and demanded the university divest from companies that support Israel. Other universities, nationwide and even globally, joined the movement. 

Related: OPINION: USF leaders should condemn violence against protestors

USF has responded to student protests over the years with consequences that have been unfair such as suspensions, particularly after last year’s protests in support of Palestine. 

During a meeting last April, Board of Trustees chair Will Weatherford praised campus police and law enforcement for how they handled protesters, which included tear gassing students. 

“I’m proud of the campus police and the way that they manage themselves and represent the university,” said Weatherford. “I’m proud of law enforcement for being by our side and helping us navigate a thorny situation.”

But universities cannot perpetuate a climate where students do not feel welcome to protest on campus. 

A recently-amended university policy gives people guidance on how to reserve spaces for events that will use amplified sound, as well as the consequences of violating the policy. 

Related: USF students suspended after free speech protest: ‘I find that contradictory’

“USF values free speech and the right for individuals and groups to gather and express themselves,” a USF spokesperson said. “Peaceful protests, demonstrations and gatherings occur regularly on USF’s campuses without incident.”

Although the policy may help minimize disruptions, I see it as restrictive, creating more hoops for students to jump through. 

Despite the changes to the policy however, students can, and should, still use USF as a place to make their voices heard. 

From walk-outs and sit-ins to petitions, rallies and marches, activism on campuses gives students a sense of individual purpose. 

It takes bravery and courage to stand up in front of your peers and administrators – especially when there is a likelihood of being met with repercussions. 

Do not be afraid to join the crowd – or begin one.