Lux Magazine's College Tour: A Response to Censorship on Campus

In February 2023, Lux Magazine, a feminist publication, initiated a nationwide college tour aimed at facilitating discussions on race, gender, and sexuality. This initiative arises in response to increasing restrictions imposed by Republican-led efforts that limit how these topics can be taught in educational institutions. The forums are designed to counteract campus censorship, particularly regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programming and pro-Palestine student activism.

The Advocate

The discussions hosted by Lux vary by institution and are often organized in collaboration with local student groups. Sarah Leonard, the editor-in-chief of Lux, emphasized the importance of these forums, stating, “If schools are not going to be able to offer an actual education to students, we are going to go on tour.” The initiative aims to fill educational gaps left by institutional restrictions, particularly for LGBTQ+ students, who have expressed a keen interest in these discussions as support from their colleges has waned.

The Advocate

The response from student organizations has been significant, with many reaching out to Lux for collaboration. Leonard noted that the increased public attention surrounding these discussions has led to a growing demand for such forums. “It took real struggle to ever be allowed to teach those things,” she remarked, highlighting the historical context of these educational topics. The discussions not only cover historical issues like deportation and feminism but also allow students to share their personal experiences related to these themes.

The Advocate

Critics of the current educational climate argue that the restrictions on teaching these subjects undermine the educational experience. Leonard pointed out the irony in how students are labeled as “snowflakes” while facing bans on certain terminology and discussions. This sentiment reflects a broader concern about the suppression of critical discourse in academic settings.

The Advocate

Looking ahead, Leonard expressed a desire to expand Lux's national reach, aiming to safeguard critical discussions on campuses and address the needs of students seeking these conversations. The initiative represents a proactive approach to ensuring that vital topics remain part of the educational dialogue, despite external pressures to limit such discussions.

The Advocate

• “If schools are not going to be able to offer an actual education to students, we are going to go on tour.” — Sarah Leonard, Editor-in-Chief, Lux Magazine

The Advocate

• “It took real struggle to ever be allowed to teach those things,” — Sarah Leonard, Editor-in-Chief, Lux Magazine

The Advocate

• “It’s such a joke to me that all of these commentators call students ‘snowflakes’ when the right is trying to ban the use of certain words,” — Sarah Leonard, Editor-in-Chief, Lux Magazine

The Advocate

This college tour by Lux Magazine serves as a critical response to the growing trend of educational censorship, aiming to empower students and foster essential discussions on identity and social justice.

The Advocate