A protester wearing a keffiyeh claps in support during a speech at the “RIGHT TO PROTEST RALLY” on April 18. The rally garnered support from a wide range of community members and lasted for more than 90 minutes.

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Protests and Strikes

Gallery | Pro-protest rally demands free speech

By Isaac Pinkus, Ruhi Haryadi and Vasumathi Urs-Juffa • April 23, 2025

Vasumathi Urs-Juffa
Two protestors climb onto the Alma Mater statue to hang the "PROTEST OUR RIGHT TO PROTEST" sign.

Ruhi Haryadi
A protestor passionately delivers a speech through a megaphone as part of the scheduled talks during the rally.

Vasumathi Urs-Juffa
A protestor listens to the speeches presented during the rally.

Ruhi Haryadi
The crowd of protestors gather in front of the Alma Mater statue. The rally aimed to protest the restrictive new policies enforced by the University on free speech and protesting

Isaac Pinkus
A protestor fixes the outfit of a fellow protestor dressed from "A Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood. The novel features social commentary about legally controlling womens reproductive rights.

Ruhi Haryadi
Protestors chat and mingle with handmade signs, masks and head coverings.

Isaac Pinkus
Alma Mater, draped with a keffiyeh and sign, stands tall over the protestors.

About the Contributor

Isaac Pinkus, Photo Editor

Hello, I’m Isaac! I am a sophomore in materials science and engineering with a focus in metallic and ceramic materials. I started at The Daily Illini in Fall 2023 as a staff photographer; I became Assistant Photo Editor at the end of my first year and now, since Spring 2025, I am the Photo Editor. Outside of The DI, I am an avid board game enthusiast, potter and cook. I look forward to learning more about photography and photojournalism.