A rally against the Trump administration’s Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education and the consolidation of The College of Liberal Arts (COLA) was held at West Mall on Nov. 7 by Austin Students for a Democratic Society (SDS). The rally coincided with UT’s Ring Day Ceremony on Main Mall and included around 100 protestors who held signs and chanted while they marched around the tower. 

Protesters chant while being led by an SDS member as the crowd marches around the tower on Nov. 7.

Protesters chant while being led by an SDS member as the crowd marches around the tower on Nov. 7.

SDS member speaks to crowd at the start of the organization's protest on West Mall on Nov. 7.

SDS member speaks to crowd at the start of the organization's protest on West Mall on Nov. 7.

Protesters hold signs as they listen to a speaker from the bottom of an external stairwell located near the tower on campus on Nov. 7.

Protesters hold signs as they listen to a speaker from the bottom of an external stairwell located near the tower on campus on Nov. 7.

Protesters listen to a speaker from the bottom of an external stairwell located near the tower on campus on Nov. 7.

Protesters listen to a speaker from the bottom of an external stairwell located near the tower on campus on Nov. 7.

Protester holds up a sign while listening to an SDS member speak on West Mall on Nov. 7.

Protester holds up a sign while listening to an SDS member speak on West Mall on Nov. 7.

Protesters walk around the tower while chanting and holding up signs on Nov. 7.

Protesters walk around the tower while chanting and holding up signs on Nov. 7.

Bystanders watch as protesters march around the tower on Friday, Nov. 7.

Bystanders watch as protesters march around the tower on Friday, Nov. 7.