Across the U.S., the rights of students to express themselves, assemble, and associate are under attack.
Peaceful protestors are being punished, civic space is shrinking, authoritarian practices are on the rise, and marginalized students—especially immigrant and international students—face heightened risks.
Amnesty International USA is joining partners to collaborate with students and challenge abuses by the government and university crackdowns that silence human rights activism. These attacks threaten not just the right to dissent, but also the rights to education, privacy, non-discrimination, academic freedom, and participation in public life.
We invite everyone to join us—whether you are a student, educator, parent, caregiver, alum, donor, policymaker, or concerned community member, we need your support.
What you can do now
Help Pass the “Protecting Our Protesters Act of 2025” (H.R. 3651)
Human Rights First and AIUSA collaborated to create “Defending Dissent: Advocacy Toolkit” to support students, advocates, and organizers as they defend their campuses, cities, and communities from those who seek to silence our right to protest.
Download the “Defending Dissent: Advocacy Toolkit.”
Learn more about H.R. 3651: Protecting Our Protesters Act of 2025.
Add your voice as we urge federal and university officials to end the violations of students’ rights and push institutions to safeguard students’ freedoms.
The rights to freedom of expression, association, and assembly are not privileges. They are human rights protected under international law.
When these rights are under attack, it is our collective responsibility to defend them.
No one should be punished for peaceful protest.
No one should be threatened for exercising their right to free speech.
No one should be deported for speaking out for human rights.
No one should be ripped away from their community or family.
No one should be sent to detention for exercising their right to protest.