Austin, TX – Last night, President Trump made clear his administration’s intent to defund diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in public universities, escalate attacks on immigrants and border communities, and further restrict the rights of young queer and immigrant people of color. This is yet another attempt to silence and marginalize young people who are fighting for a more inclusive future. In response, Claudia Yoli Ferla, Executive Director of MOVE Texas Action Fund, issued the following statement:
“Last night, Donald Trump delivered a speech filled with division, hate, and lies—doubling down on the same dangerous rhetoric that threatens our democracy. But in Texas, we are no strangers to these attacks. We’ve heard this rhetoric before, and we know exactly what it leads to. Yet, in Texas, we also know how to resist. We know how to fight back.
“This legislative session, we are already seeing state lawmakers echo Trump’s extremist agenda—banning DEI programs in higher education, spreading lies that criminalize immigrants, and restricting free expression on campuses. His words will only embolden those who seek to roll back our rights and silence young people demanding a say in their future.
“But we won’t back down. Across Texas, students and organizers are showing up, speaking out, and demanding a future where everyone—no matter their background—has the freedom to learn, express themselves, and thrive.
“MOVE Texas stands with young people everywhere who refuse to be silenced—who choose courage over fear, hope over division, and action over apathy. Time and again, we have proven that when we come together, we are unstoppable. We will not be defined by the hate and fear pushed onto us; we will define our own future—one built on justice, freedom, and the unwavering belief that democracy belongs to all of us. The future is not theirs to take—it is ours to build.
“We invite all young people in Texas who believe in a democracy where our voices matter to join us at the Texas State Capitol from April 15-16 for the 2025 Youth Capitol Takeover. Together, we will make sure our lawmakers hear us loud and clear and take a stand against these attacks on our future”
###
About MOVE Texas Action FundMOVE Texas Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) grassroots, nonprofit organization that mobilizes young Texans to influence policy and electoral change.
