This Is What Democracy Looks Like

"The violence, broadcast on national television, shifted American sentiment and led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 five months later. The Voting Rights Act targeted literacy tests and other discriminatory practices-methods often used to limit the voting rights of Black citizens, in particular-and established federal oversight of elections where needed."

"Last month, the Education Department announced an investigation into Tufts University and the National Student Clearinghouse over the National Study of Learning, Voting and Engagement, a nonpartisan project civic engagement groups praise and more than 1,000 institutions use to understand and improve student voting rates."

"The same day, the agency sent a letter to colleges and universities telling them that if they use data released this year by the study, they risk violating the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Education Secretary Linda McMahon said that 'American colleges and universities should be focused on teaching, learning, and research-not influencing elections.'"

Commemorations of the 61st anniversary of Bloody Sunday highlighted the sacrifices made to secure voting rights for all Americans. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 eliminated discriminatory practices like literacy tests and established federal election oversight. This legislation also led to the 26th Amendment, lowering the voting age to 18 and expanding student participation. However, recent state and federal actions have weakened these protections, particularly affecting college students who face barriers as first-time voters. The Education Department investigated Tufts University and the National Student Clearinghouse over a nonpartisan voting engagement study used by over 1,000 institutions. The agency warned colleges that using the study's data risks violating privacy laws, prompting the National Student Clearinghouse to end its 13-year partnership with the project.

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