The result of the 2024 U.S. presidential election is just days old, but already the Black community is feeling its reverberations. Racist text messages to Black college students rapidly swept through schools in states like Alabama, Texas, and Louisiana, telling young African Americans that they were “assigned” to fictional plantations and warned of forced labor roundups. This disturbing trend is now reaching middle and high school students across the nation, stoking confusion and fear among youth and their families. Marginalized communities are now bracing themselves for the worst: this could only be the beginning.

Amid the dismantling of affirmative action, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and the erosion of support centers across college campuses, Black students are feeling vulnerable — when instead, they should be feeling supported in a safe environment that fosters growth, encourages respectful debate and cultural understanding, and prepares them for a diverse and interconnected world. However, with the rise of anti-DEI policies, the erasure of Black history, and the continuation of book bans and curriculum restrictions, the impact on students’ mental health is severe. The resulting racial aggression and hostile messaging have intensified levels of depression, anxiety, and a profound sense of isolation, all of which can significantly erode students’ sense of belonging on campus.

At EdTrust, our commitment is unwavering: we advocate for equity, access, and the fundamental right for every student in this nation — especially students of color — to pursue their ambitions without fear. Sadly, this election cycle has ushered in a harsh reality: America is fine letting its leaders intentionally roll back any gains in civil rights that we thought had been firmly established by the generations before us. This stressful new reality places an unbearable emotional and psychological burden on Black students who are simply trying to exist while realizing their dreams — what’s supposed to be the American dream.

As we navigate this new climate, protecting students from racial aggression and supporting their mental health must be prioritized. Institutional leaders, educators, and policymakers should urgently reinforce anti-racism policies, provide accessible mental health resources, and create safe spaces on campus where students of color feel seen, heard, and valued. For example, colleges should have clearly stated policies and procedures to help the campus community confront and resolve incidents of racial or ethnic harassment and discrimination that include formal processes that involve students, faculty, and staff. (For more recommendations, read our campus racial climate report.)

It is our collective responsibility to ensure that students can learn, grow, and pursue their dreams in an environment free from fear and hatred. Together, we must stand against discrimination and invest in building a truly inclusive future.