Fenwick Uprising victoriously prevails on March 6th
In the heart of Worcester, Massachusetts, students at Holy Cross's campus staged a peaceful protest, voicing their grievances over rising tuition fees and the high cost of living. This demonstration, reflecting wider discontent with austerity measures imposed by the government, mirrors broader student-led movements protesting fee hikes and economic hardships that were prevalent in 2025.
The primary concerns of the Holy Cross students centered around substantial increases in tuition fees, threatening their ability to continue their education, and the affordability of basic needs amid increasing living costs. Furthermore, they opposed government austerity policies that reduced financial support for education and social services.
Initially, the protest remained peaceful, aiming to bring attention to these issues. However, elements within the movement sought more radical measures, as attempts to instigate a coup suggest. This aligns with other reports of increased militancy among activist groups frustrated with the political status quo and systemic economic challenges.
While direct details about the Holy Cross protestors' coup attempt are limited, the context indicates a desire to disrupt current governance structures perceived as neglecting or harming students' welfare. The event, referred to as a "day of love" by some student activists, fits within a larger pattern of 2025 student unrest globally, motivated by sharply escalating costs for education and living, and frustrations with austerity-driven governments.
The protest involved students scaling Fenwick Hall by its ivy vines, shattering glass windows, and barging into offices. Some protestors were dressed in knight armor, representing the school's Crusader mascot. The grievances ranged from dissatisfaction with the food in Kimball, to concerns about mice in Brooks Hall, and a desire for more Tomo presence.
As the academic year approaches, students are excited about reclaiming their traditional, on-campus college experience. November marks the time for Holy Cross students to enroll in classes for the subsequent semester. The college only offers two meal plans for its students - The Resident Meal Plan and the Apartment Plan.
This article was copy edited by Annamaria DeCamp, a student at Holy Cross graduating in 2027, and web edited by Zexuan Qu, a student at Holy Cross graduating in 2028. The featured image for the article was courtesy of College of the Holy Cross.
Julia Maher, a student at Holy Cross College graduating in 2027, serves as the Opinions Editor for a different article. Julia Kane, also a student at Holy Cross College, graduating in 2027, is the Opinions Editor for this article.
The article dated Aug. 7, 2020, discusses the housing assignments for the fall semester. Enrollment for the upcoming semester is expected to follow the usual process at Holy Cross College.
- The Holy Cross faculty expressed their support for the students during the protest, encouraging educational and self-development opportunities to counteract the economic hardships.
- The student-led movement on campus, while promoting tradition and unity, also sparked discussions about sports facilities and their potential improvements.
- The student newspaper, under the leadership of Opinions Editors Julia Kane and Julia Maher (both graduating in 2027), covered news of the protest and its aftermath extensively.
- The events scheduler team on campus is planning for a packed calendar of educational, social, and sports events for the upcoming academic year to bring students together beyond their grievances.
