May Day Protests Highlight Labor, Education, Immigrant Rights

On May Day 2025, protests and demonstrations took place nationwide to highlight labor, education, and immigrant rights. In Seattle, faculty, staff, and students at Seattle Central College walked out in protest of budget cuts and layoffs linked to insufficient funding and inequitable taxation. Across the U.S., educators and supporters rallied against education funding cuts, particularly in places like Des Moines, stressing the need for community backing and fair investment in schools. University of California healthcare, research, and tech workers staged a large-scale strike over stalled contract talks, short staffing, and rising healthcare costs, while Berkeley teachers sought better contracts and job stability. In Newark, Movimiento Cosecha and allied groups marched for immigrant protections and an end to ICE raids and detentions. The demonstrations reflected the enduring significance of May Day for advocating fair labor practices, immigrant rights, and public investment in education and healthcare.