Today, despite the foundational promise of equality, America faces a fundamental crisis: human rights are under attack. Those meant to protect us are now threatening the rights of both families and major communities. This disregard for human rights leaves communities fearful and uncertain. With key protections dismantled, the U.S. now appears on international watch lists. An alarming signal about the country’s human rights position. 

Some citizens feel so apprehensive about the future they have chosen or plan to leave the U.S. A CNN article examines this pervasive anxiety and how the deteriorating political climate impacts lives. While this doesn’t apply to all U.S. residents, it still leaves room to question just how others are feeling in this situation.

We see more of this within a series of polls by NPR. The results showed that 76 percent of Americans believe democracy is being threatened. Although they did not specifically identify what they found to be endangering, it still raises concern.

It also includes the fact that 73 percent believe politically motivated violence is becoming a worsening issue. While this doesn’t encompass the entire population, and there is still a percentage of people who feel that their rights are still intact, it’s essential to address the divided feelings among the majority reflected in these numbers.

It’s essential to clarify how the disregard of these rights violates basic decency and disproportionately affects certain communities. The Amnesty project provides specific details about what communities have been most affected by Trump’s first 100 days in office. This includes ending several programs assisting people of color and LGBTQ+ communities, undermining the rights of women and immigrants, and disregarding constitutional law. People now face violence for protesting, as the government increasingly restricts expression and dissent. 

A study by Monmouth University takes part in this focus, exploring the relationship between people and their feelings toward our fundamental rights. Within the article, it addresses which specific human rights most feel threatened among which demographics. While it presents varying views between Democrats and Republicans, we can still see the common ground between them.

Our leaders should protect both personal and universal rights. This ranges from the right to bear arms to abortion rights, all the way to free speech. While some aren’t as high on the list, they are still crucial and impact communities that make up a decent portion of our population. Each rule plays a part in creating a just society, thereby preventing discrimination from occurring.

By not supporting these rights using fair regulations, it leaves uncertainty about how we live and our constitutional values. If officials are not guaranteeing safety, then how can they protect our rights in the first place?

Concern for human rights is a critical thought shared among many, as shown within Brookings’ research. The article surveyed over 1,000 respondents, with minimal error, and concludes that most consider it a top priority to defend human rights globally. This includes collaborating with international groups and establishing ourselves as good role models as a nation. To achieve this, we must first unify our land and establish new forms of support for those in more complex situations.

For some, these developments seem unremarkable or normal. However, this perception offers no protection; everyone remains susceptible to discrimination and censorship. Human rights are universal, not confined to a single group or place. We must remain vigilant against these threats. Injury to one group sets off a chain reaction that ultimately endangers us all. As such, we must come together and combat these unjust actions.

Protesting for human rights is one of the greatest things someone can do, and it is a civic duty they should embrace. Even for those who can’t be on the front lines, they can still do their part and provide aid. Sign petitions, contact your officials to raise concerns, and put pressure on your leaders to effect immediate action.

Some can even use creative outlets to help spread the importance of this message, just as I am. Our combined actions ignite the largest flame of hope, keeping the fight alive. When basic rights are threatened, standing up for them is essential to building a just future. Collective action remains key to countering ongoing attacks on human rights.

Editor: Lucy Cafiero