Encampments are Back, “Go Blue” and Spartan Nation Mobilize for DEI, Protests after Mass Shooting at Florida State University
Plus: Salvaging Climate Science and Beyond Holy Week
Friends! Jesus is risen, the Pope passed away and the news cycle sways between these two extremes in my newsfeed. Life and death, hope and grief, joy and lament mark this and every season. I pray that you are able to hold both of these realities in full, what I like to call – the beauty and resistance – as we enter into Eastertide. (and here’s a primer on that if it’s not your tradition!)
Here are 5 things we believe are worth your time:
University of Michigan & Michigan State Mobilize for DEI
SCRIPTURE AND PRAYER
Holy Week & Antidotes to Empire
Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter looked different for me as a kid growing up in the Black Church in the South. I think that Pastor Erina Kim-Eubanks, who I got to see in the Bay Area last week, captured learning about Holy Week and how to embody its practices wonderfully. Let’s lean into what it looks like to learn, grow and reflect the love, wonder and justice of Jesus as individuals and the collective body of Christ.
STATISTICS
Salvaging Vital Climate Science
Across the country, academics are resisting the erasure of data, analysis and science by an administration that is admittedly trying to reshape every level of education. This includes vital efforts to fight climate change and address the variety of inequities that accompany environmental degradation. Coauthors Kelsie Fowler, PhD, Philip Bell, and Lori Henrickson created this robust, evidence-based framework that supports professional learning, K-12 education, higher education, and lifelong learning about climate change in the US and globally, with each principle linked to valuable international resources. Please share this widely and tag others, as many are seeking a comprehensive, equity-focused tool for climate education and action.
STORIES
Encampments went up, then down at Yale and are promised to return at Columbia
Columbia students plan to bring back encampments to the grounds and the university administrators have reiterated their policies against the protests along with the penalties and protocols. Yale students erected tents on campus and then removed them shortly before midnight pending penalties against the organizers who urged participants to come to another rally on Wednesday. Both of these efforts seem to be in response to Israeli security official Ben-Gvir who started his trip in the United States at Mar-a-Lago stating that Israel and the Trump administration were on the same page that food aid depots should be bombed. Ben-Gvir is one of the most far-right Israeli officials and advocacy is underway for him to be charged with war crimes like his colleagues Prime Minister Netanyahu and War Cabinet member Yoav Gallant already have been. We join so many in praying for a just peace, the end of occupation and flourishing for Jewish and Palestinian people alike.
Tensions Rise at the University of Michigan & Michigan State
Last week, Harvard took a stand against the Trump Administration’s pressure and students, faculty and administrators at the University of Michigan and Michigan State want the “Go Blue” and Spartan Nation to join the fight. Faculty at Michigan State University have joined colleagues from other Big Ten schools in urging their administrations to establish a "mutual defense compact" in response to the Trump administration's actions targeting higher education. The proposed alliance would have member universities pool legal and financial resources to defend any institution facing political or legal challenges from the federal government, particularly regarding issues like research funding cuts, visa revocations for international students, and restrictions on academic freedom. Students and professors are leading the charge in Lansing with organizers proclaiming, “we are just getting started”. May all who seek justice be inspired and equipped to be wise, loving and kind in this difficult season.
Mass Shooting at Florida State University
There have been 102 mass shootings in 2025. And last week, this uniquely American problem came to Florida State University. The shooter had access to his stepmother’s weapon that she used as a deputy, promoted White Supremacist beliefs, and had recently transferred from Tallahassee State College to Florida State. Two people were killed and six were injured. There has been marches, vigils, and a very clear list of demands for common sense gun reform. Florida’s state government and especially Governor Ron DeSantis are resistant to changes that might restrict access to guns but many are praying and working so that violence like this doesn’t happen again. We join in their intercession and long for peace and comfort for all those who mourn.
May you be encouraged this week that Jesus is Risen and that the same power that raised Him from the dead lives in us. May you be challenged to embody the Great Commandments and the Great Commission in ways that testify to His resurrection power at work in you and in the world.
In Christ and for His Glory,
jonathan