Congresswoman Urges Students to Defend Democracy Through Higher Ed, Collective Action

Blending urgency with hope, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley joined Emerson College students to speak about the critical role higher education plays in protecting democracy. 

Held at the Bill Bordy Theater on April 12 and hosted by the Student Government Association (SGA), the event titled “Higher Education in the Next Four Years” brought together students, faculty, and community members to hear directly from the Massachusetts representative (whose district includes Emerson College) on the future of education, equity, and civic engagement.

Joined by Assistant Professor of Argumentation & Advocacy Deion Hawkins, Pressley responded to questions about intellectual freedom, diversity in education, and the political pressures facing higher education institutions today.

“We need people who are thought partners, who think critically,” said Pressley. “Especially against the backdrop of a march towards authoritarianism and fascism…we have to defend democracy.” 

In light of the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision to end affirmative action in college admissions, Pressley emphasized the importance of policy as a tool for equity.

“The reason I say policy is my love language is because every inequity, every injustice, every disparity was legislated,” said Pressley. “I believe it is possible to legislate equity, I believe it is possible to legislate justice.” 

While Pressley acknowledged that Supreme Court ruling itself limits what can be done legislatively, since the Court declared race-based admissions decisions unconstitutional, she emphasized the need for clarity in how institutions respond.

“Their ruling did not say that race could not be a factor … the ruling said that race cannot be the deciding factor,” emphasized Pressley. “Bearing that in mind is exactly why I am demanding that our colleges and universities recognize that values are adhered to, they are something to be practiced, and if our colleges and universities fall, that contributes formidably to the fall of democracy.”

During one of the most impassioned moments of the event, Pressley addressed the effect of recent political crackdowns, particularly on issues ranging from reproductive rights to free expression.

“Right now we’re in a climate where they’ve criminalized women suffering miscarriages,” she said. “You can be prosecuted for reading a banned book, for practicing diversity, equity, and inclusion, for seeking abortion care, or for exercising free speech.”

Framing these attacks as part of a broader anti-freedom agenda, Pressley emphasized that everyone, regardless of their background or identity, has a stake in resisting authoritarianism.

“Your silence will not save you,” said Pressley. “In solidarity, that is how you resist and reject authoritarianism and fascism. When you see a wrongdoing and you see a denial of someone’s constitutional right, you have to speak out.”

She urged students and institutions alike not only to call out injustice, but also to uplift and affirm those working in alignment with democratic values.

“Sometimes, as activists, we only weigh in on the grievance,” she said. “But if an institution or an elected official is doing something right, affirm that. Encourage others to do the same. The only way you beat a dictator is with defiance. It’s the only way.”

Henry Jones ’27, who led the effort to bring Pressley to campus, said the event was about creating space for honest dialogue and collective clarity during an especially uncertain time for students.

For Kayla Armbruster ’25, Executive Vice President of the Student Government Association, creating space for this kind of dialogue was essential. 

“What made this conversation with Congresswoman Pressley so special was her openness to real, honest dialogue,” said Armbruster. “She didn’t shy away from difficult questions; instead, she actively listened, responded with care, and clearly showed a willingness to engage with the Emerson community on a deeper level.”

Armbruster echoed many of Pressley’s points, particularly the call for greater student involvement in shaping policy.

“We are the next wave of changemakers, organizers, and policymakers,” said Armbruster. “Engaging with current leaders not only allows us to influence the direction of policy now but it helps us build the foundations for the future we will one day create.”