On Friday, May 1, members of the new Fight Authoritarianism Brandeis group convened outside the Bernstein-Marcus Administrative Center and the Irving Presidential Enclave to protest a myriad of pressing social issues. The protest included a focus on the recent actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, various wars abroad, Brandeis’ lack of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the University’s decision to honor Sheryl Sandberg as a speaker and honorary degree recipient at the 2026 commencement ceremony. May 1 is also known as May Day, or International Workers’ Day. Nationwide protests were held to celebrate the labor movement, including one in Boston Common which garnered hundreds of attendees. 

13 individuals were present at the Brandeis protest, including students and faculty, who held various signage. Posters included messages such as “ADA: Comply” and “No war, no ICE, no genocide.” Individuals then took turns voicing their frustration with the University.  

Isaac Hoffman ’29 spoke about Sandberg’s past at Meta, which includes allegations of sexual harassment, privacy leaks and contribution to the Rohingya genocide in Myanmar. “They [Meta] did nothing while kids died,” Hoffman said. Other students spoke about Sandberg’s reputation as a feminist and pointed to the lack of intersectionality in her advocacy work. Hoffman also took the time to read internal Facebook emails which suggested that Sandberg knew about the harmful effects of the platform’s algorithm. “If you do come on campus I hope you know no one wants you,” he concluded with a pointed message at Sandberg. 

The University’s decision to invite Sandberg to speak at this year’s commencement ceremony has invited controversy from students and faculty alike. Most recently, the Student Union passed Senate Resolution no. 4, which calls upon the University to rescind Sandberg’s honorary degree and remove her as commencement speaker. The decision also resulted in the creation of a petition, authored by Elena Giacoletti ’26 and Nora Herndon-Lazerwith ’26, which has garnered over 100 signatures as of press time.

The group also emphasized concerns with the University’s free speech policies, which have been a subject of contention following the incidents of Nov. 10, 2023, during which several students were arrested at a pro-Palestine rally after concerns about the use of various phrases and chants. Since then, controversy has arisen about how the University regulates free speech and other student groups such as Students for Environmental Action and the Jewish Bund have urged the administration to revise their policy. 

Students also spoke about strengthening protections for international students and students of color, especially in light of heightened ICE activity. Chloe Morales ’23 highlighted a petition drafted by the American Association of University Professors which calls upon the University to stop its partnership with Enterprise Rent-a-Car, a rental service responsible for providing vehicles to ICE. Morales shared that the petition has garnered over 840 signatures, demonstrating clear concern for the issue. Additionally, Brandeis’ chapter of the AAUP called upon the school to cut ties with Enterprise by May 1, though no such action was taken. Chants of “shame” could also be heard at various points, demonstrating the group’s clear discontent with the University’s actions. 

Additionally, the protest focused on the University’s lack of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Enacted in 1990, the ADA “prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability” and “guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to enjoy employment opportunities, purchase goods and services, and participate in state and local government programs.” However, students in attendance asserted that the University is not in compliance with the law, citing a lack of accessible bathrooms, broken lifts and unreasonable housing accommodations. “It’s a civil rights issue,” said Ariella Soltren ’27. She also spoke about the interconnectedness of various social justice issues such as disability rights, racial equity and LGBTQ+ inclusion, emphasizing that this was one of the reasons the protest focused on so many social problems. 

The group then moved from outside the Bernstein-Marcus building to the front of the Shapiro Campus Center by the Great Lawn while shouting, “No billionaires, no ICE! Disability justice on ’Deis!” The group proceeded to sing several protest songs including “Bella Ciao,” a traditional Italian pro-labor piece, as well as “Solidarity Forever.” The protest dispersed shortly thereafter at approximately 1:15 p.m. 

Although the group formed this year, they have held multiple protests throughout the year concerning ICE action and the ongoing war in Iran. On Jan. 20, the group held a “Free America Walkout,” a nationwide initiative aimed at challenging ICE activity and protecting students on campus. A similar protest was held on Jan. 30 in the Shapiro Campus Center Atrium, as well as a small demonstration on March 6 opposing the war in Iran.

As the group is newly formed, it is unclear if they will seek official recognition by the University. As pressing current issues remain relevant to the student body and Brandeis community, FAB sees their role as a group that advocates for justice and fairness at the local level, and strives to help make Brandeis an equitable and just place for all.

—Editors Note: Justice contributing writer Isaac Hoffman ’29 spoke at the mentioned protest. He did not edit or contribute to this article.