‘Enough is enough’ protest at Flagler aims to force school into action

Story and Photos by Josiah Friedman

Logan Michael, political activist and Flagler College student, organized and hosted a protest against anti-education strikes and threats against human rights that President Donald Trump has set into place. The protest was held on April 17, 2025 on Flagler College’s west lawn.

By 12:30 p.m. many students began to fill the west lawn, holding signs and standing up for what they believe in. Michael took the “stage” to introduce the purpose of the protest. She delivered a compelling speech, detailing the agenda of the Trump administration and explaining what she is fighting for.

“Education administrators have two choices today: they can comply with the Trump administration’s fascist agenda, or they can resist,” Michael said.

Michael then introduced an array of Flagler College professors who had speeches to deliver, starting with professor Brenda Kauffman.

Kauffman addressed the crowd, declaring that the student body must fight back against the threats against education and human rights. She urged people to gather together, find community and take care of themselves. She also stressed the importance of knowledge and education in order to fight back against a fascist government.

“Arm yourselves with knowledge,” Kauffman said.

After Kauffman’s speech, Michael engaged the crowd in a series of calls-and-responses. She chanted out demands, students finishing her sentences and taking up space on the campus. Michael also passed out slips of paper with some of the chants typed on them.

Lilly Reidy, president of Flagler College’s Green Beans club, delivered a passionate speech as well, condemning the Trump administration’s actions. Reidy referenced her passion for the environment as Green Beans club president, emphasizing how important the cause is.

“You can’t talk about protecting the planet until you talk about protecting the people on it,” Reidy said.

Several other students spoke out throughout the hour-long protest, including Miles Henley. Henley mentioned the importance of standing up for one’s oppressed loved ones, referencing his two gay best friends who were scared of facing danger because of their sexual orientation. He declared that everyone must come forward to fight for what they believe in.

“If you are silent, you are compliant with fascism,” Henley said.

Many students skipped their lectures in order to show up to the protest. Katelyn Halleck did just that, holding a sign stating, “We are skipping our lessons to teach you one.”

The protest lasted until 1:30 p.m., and each minute was spent delivering speeches, participating in chants, and organizing to protest against the Trump administration’s agenda.

Students proudly held signs and demanded what they wanted, even addressing the college. In one of her speeches, Michael declared that the student body wanted Flagler College to refuse to let ICE, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, onto campus. The protest served to hold Flagler accountable and let the college know that the student body is watching.

“We have to decide when we’ve had enough, and that is now. Enough is enough,” Michael said as she concluded the protest.