The Silent Campus: Why Aren't Students Protesting?

Amidst a Nation's Tumult, a Question of Silence: Why the Absence of Student Protests? Orange, CA – May 13, 2025 – On his final day of the semester at Chapman University, renowned author Jeff Pearlman posed a thought-provoking question: Why are student protests so rare in America today? Pearlman, known for his insightful commentary on social issues, observed a stark contrast between the current calm and past semesters marked by vibrant student activism. 'Not that long ago, there were all these protests right here,' he recalled, referring to demonstrations against the conflict in Israel and Gaza. 'And now, no protests.' He offered two possible explanations. First, he suggested a growing fear of free speech restrictions may be silencing student voices. Secondly, he noted a potential burnout among students following a period of intense activism, suggesting 'campuses burned out last year, and students burned out.' Pearlman's observation highlights a larger societal trend, prompting reflection on the factors influencing student engagement in political discourse. His closing remarks invite further discussion, leaving the reader to ponder the reasons behind this shift in student activism.