Hope Walz, the daughter of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, said in a TikTok video that she will not be going to grad school in the fall after learning that the unnamed university she planned on attending doesn't support students' right to protest.
Walz took to her TikTok page to share a "life update," stating:
“Given recent events, I am not going to give my money/go into debt for/support institutions that don’t support their students and the right to protest and speak out for their communities."
She added:
“That’s just not where I’m at. Students deserve to be protected.”
The video, which you can see below, racked up over 460,000 views as of Sunday.
The Montana State University grad said she wasn't worried whether or not she was protected, being a "privileged white woman," but said that she refuses to support institutions that don't support students.
"I know that has nothing to do with students that currently go there," Walz said, and noted that it was the "people at the top" restricting students' rights that was the impetus to delay her academics.
"I'm going to do a little bit more research going forward, making sure I'm applying to schools that align with my values and then maybe start in a year, which is okay," she said, adding:
“I’m not really in a rush."
Many applauded her for taking a stand.
@hopewalz/TikTok
@hopewalz/TikTok
@hopewalz/TikTok
@hopewalz/TikTok
@hopewalz/TikTok
@hopewalz/TikTok
@hopewalz/TikTok
Others suggested studying abroad may be the best option.
@hopewalz/TikTok
@hopewalz/TikTok
@hopewalz/TikTok
While U.S. colleges are not banning protests, they are placing restrictions on students' right to the First Amendment, particularly demonstrations relating to Israel's war in Gaza.
Universities may not support student protests for a variety of reasons, including concerns of campus safety, legal liabilities, and disruptions to academic activities.
Some institutions have resorted to using police force to ensure order and safety.
Last week, GOP Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the State Department revoked more than 300 student visas of college students, many of whom protested against Israel's war in Gaza on college campuses across the country.
In March 2025, Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University alumnus known for leading pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus, was arrested in his New York City apartment by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents despite holding legal permanent resident status.
The Department of Homeland Security cited his detention was tied to his involvement in activities allegedly aligned with the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
His arrest sparked widespread protests and scrutiny from civil liberties organizations and political leaders.
@teddysphotos/Instagram
