What is the main intention of the declaration?
The declaration’s main goal is to urge for reflection on the unrecognized harms and losses caused by Covid-19 policies from 2020-2023, particularly in regards to institutions of higher education, and to empower all members of these institutions (students, faculty, staff, and community members) to reclaim the fundamental principles of dialogue and humanity which are so essential to any place of true learning.
In the long term, the declaration is intended as a testament to the experiences of students over the past three years of Covid-19 policies and a resource for the upcoming classes and generations of students to utilize in their own conversations and movements in order that such injustices do not continue and do not repeat themselves in future.
How can I get involved?
Our own team of student volunteers is small. Get involved in our work by helping us gather signatures and spread the word about the declaration via social media, podcasts, and personal connections. If you would like to schedule an interview, request further written materials, or propose a collaboration, please contact our team at studentdeclaration2023@gmail.com.
We also welcome students, faculty/staff, and community members to utilize the declaration as a tool within their own conversations with peers and university administrators and in their own efforts to end remaining Covid-19 mandates worldwide. Printable copies of the declaration are available to download below.
Who wrote the declaration?
The declaration was written by a small group of college students from across the US including Lauren Palmer, Isla Stover, and Nadia Ghazal. Other contributors wished to remain anonymous.
Who is the intended audience of the declaration?
While the declaration is written by college students and is mainly addressed to college students, it is also intended for college and university faculty and staff members, as well as students of any age and the surrounding communities.
How did the idea begin?
Lauren Palmer wrote the initial proposal for the declaration and gathered a group of students who, over the course of a month-and-a-half (from late August-October 4, 2023) met to discuss and draft the declaration. The declaration was inspired by many historical examples of student and civil rights movements.
Is the declaration affiliated with any college or university?
No. The declaration was written by college students independently of any institution affiliation.
Why October 4th?
The Student Declaration was signed on October 4, 2023 in echo of the Great Barrington Declaration which was signed in response to Covid-19 lockdown policies on October 4, 2020.