The University of Santo Tomas (UST) students have raised their fists in defiance against the UST Office of Student Affairs (OSA) alleged violation of students’ academic and press freedom. The rallying cry, “Stand with TomasinoWeb!” echoed as students united to voice their concerns.
The protest was sparked by an incident involving a viral photo taken at a 7/11 store, which the UST OSA ordered to be taken down. This act was perceived by many as an infringement on the student’s rights to freedom of expression.
The demonstration was captured in a video posted by @anakbayanphils on TikTok, which has since garnered significant attention. In the video, Thomasians can be seen raising their fists in a powerful symbol of resistance and unity.
@anakbayanphils “STAND WITH TOMASINOWEB!” WATCH: Thomasians raise their fists in defiance against UST Office of Student Affairs’ violation of students’ academic and press freedom. #standwithtomasinoweb #defendpressfreedom #defendacademicfreedom #ust #thomasian #fyp ♬ original sound – Anakbayan
The students’ outcry, “Stand with TomasinoWeb!” is a show of support for TomasinoWeb, UST’s official digital media organization. This incident has highlighted the ongoing struggle for press freedom within academic institutions and the critical role that student publications play in fostering a culture of free speech and critical thinking.
As the issue unfolds, the Thomasian community is committed to upholding academic and press freedom. The students’ defiant stance serves as a reminder of the power of collective action in challenging institutional policies and advocating for change.
The UST OSA has yet to respond to the students’ protest. As the university community awaits their response, the Thomasians’ raised fists remain a potent symbol of their unwavering stand for academic and press freedom.
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