As we face an uncertain future, it’s clear that we must become more critical, more radical, and more strategic in our pursuit of justice. The policies that have been enacted and are being proposed by Donald Trump’s administration have and will amplify economic, social, and racial inequalities, often with devastating impacts on vulnerable groups.
The threat to civil liberties in the US
The re-election of Donald Trump poses a direct threat to the rights and freedoms of vulnerable populations, including immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and racial and ethnic minorities. His administration’s policies in the past have systematically undermined civil liberties and human rights. As a reminder ( see https://civilrights.org/trump-rollbacks/ e.g. for a full timeline): The “zero tolerance” policy led to family separations and the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nearly 200,000 Salvadorans jeopardised their safety. Efforts to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and proposals to revoke birthright citizenship further threaten immigrant communities. The appointment of Supreme Court justices who voted to overturn Roe v. Wade resulted in abortion bans across multiple states, severely restricting women’s access to reproductive healthcare. Rolling back protections for transgender individuals in housing and healthcare. Proposing cuts to federal funding for schools addressing race and gender discrimination have eroded civil rights for marginalised groups.Weakened regulations protecting workers’ pay and safety have exacerbated economic disparities.
These actions have disproportionately impacted vulnerable communities, undermining decades of progress in civil rights and social justice. It is imperative that we not only recognise these injustices but actively work to dismantle the systems that perpetuate them.
The fight for justice in Europe
While this reflection begins with the situation in the United States, similar challenges to justice and equality are unfolding across the globe, including in Europe. In Hungary, governmental policies have raised serious concerns regarding academic freedom and discrimination. The banning of gender studies programs from university curricula has been criticised as an attack on educational autonomy and a free society. Additionally, legislation affecting LGBTQ+ rights has prompted widespread protests and international condemnation, highlighting a broader trend of eroding civil liberties. The Netherlands has experienced a rise in right-wing political influence, with parties advocating for stricter immigration policies and challenging progressive social norms. These developments have consequences for vulnerable communities and pose questions about the nation’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
Implications for universities and academic freedom
These developments have significant consequences for universities and the broader academic community: Governmental interference in university curricula, such as the banning of certain fields of study, threatens the autonomy of educational institutions and the pursuit of knowledge without restriction. In the Netherlands, in response to budget cuts, higher education institutions are being encouraged to focus more on defence research (see e.g. https://delta.tudelft.nl/en/article/use-defence-budget-for-research-and-innovation) , whichraises ethical questions about the role of academia in military endeavours and the potential compromise of open, international scientific collaboration.
A call for critical and radical global action
It’s not enough to patch up the wounds inflicted by inequitable policies; we must fundamentally rethink and challenge the structures that uphold injustice worldwide. Being critical means refusing to accept the status quo and asking hard questions about who benefits and who suffers from our political and economic systems. It means holding leaders accountable and advocating for transformative change that goes beyond surface-level reforms.
But critique alone is insufficient. We must act strategically, forming alliances that transcend traditional boundaries and borders. Whether through collaboration between universities, advocacy groups, grassroots movements, or international networks, our collective strength lies in unity. We need to work together, share resources, and support each other in the fight for a just and equitable global society.
An open invitation to forge alliances
As spatial practitioners, educators, activists, and global citizens, our role is to design and advocate for spaces and policies that foster justice and equity, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. This moment demands boldness, solidarity, and relentless commitment. We must refuse to be complicit in systems of oppression and instead use our platforms, knowledge, and networks to resist regressive forces.
Let’s start the discussion here. Let’s organise and mobilise together. At the Centre for the Just City, we are leveraging our Manifesto as a tool for resistance and exploring other avenues to effect change. We invite you to contribute, bring your ideas, and join us in forging a united front against injustice. Comment below or reach out to us directly with your ideas and perspectives.
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