On Feb. 28, University of Cincinnati President Neville Pinto sent an email stating that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs would be closed. The message included an explanation regarding the reason for the sudden shut down as they will be forced to comply because there will no longer be federal funding. 

This caused hundreds of students and faculty members to rally for multiple days, also protesting other federal requirements. For example, UC also changed its bathroom signs, which now require transgender students to use the restroom that corresponds with their biological sex. 

Crowds of protesters marched through the halls and other places on campus in response, displaying cardboard signs and discussing freedom of speech, with some saying “We’re all bearcats.”