Tim Walz’s daughter skips grad school over Israel protests
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s daughter, Hope Walz, has decided to forgo graduate school in protest against a university’s lack of support for student demonstrations. In a TikTok video shared with her followers, Hope expressed her disappointment with the institution she had planned to attend and its handling of student protests.
“I applied to one school that I had my heart set on. I won’t mention the institution, but in light of recent events, I can’t justify investing my money, going into debt, or backing institutions that fail to support student activism and the right to speak out for their communities,” Hope stated.
She emphasized the importance of protecting students and voiced her concerns about the lack of support for student activism at the said institution. Despite acknowledging her privilege as a white woman, Hope reiterated her stance on not financially supporting institutions that neglect their students’ voices.
Hope’s decision comes amidst a national debate on how universities address anti-Israel protests and the rise of antisemitism on campuses. The Trump administration has been vocal in its criticism of Columbia University, threatening to withhold federal funding unless the school implemented reforms to combat antisemitism and quell campus demonstrations.
In response to pressure from the administration, Columbia University agreed to a series of demands, including banning masks used to conceal identities on campus, appointing a senior vice provost to oversee relevant academic departments, and hiring additional campus police officers with arrest powers in the wake of violent incidents.
Columbia was at the center of anti-Israel protests in 2024, culminating in a high-profile NYPD intervention to dismantle a barricade at Hamilton Hall. The university’s handling of the protests sparked national attention and prompted calls for stricter campus security measures.
As universities navigate the complex landscape of student activism and free speech, Hope Walz’s decision to forego graduate school serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding students’ rights to protest and advocate for their communities. By taking a stand against institutional indifference to student voices, Hope exemplifies the power of individual action in promoting accountability and fostering a culture of support for student activism.
Anders Hagstrom, a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and breaking news, contributed to this report. For more updates and insights, follow @Hagstrom_Anders on Twitter or reach out to Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com.
