NFL Quarterback Kirk Cousins Speaks at Rollins FCA Night of Worship
By Katie Harwood on April 19, 2025
Photo by Caleb Costello
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) hosted a night of worship, testimony, and community on Mon., April 14, as Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins spoke at Rollins College. The event—held in the Alfond Gymnasium—featured live worship, student-athlete testimonies, and a Q&A with Cousins. The evening drew a packed crowd of students from Rollins and the University of Central Florida (UCF), along with non-student attendees of all ages.
The highlight of the evening was Cousins’ message, rooted in faith and purpose beyond football. The Atlanta Falcons quarterback, best known for his leadership on the field and his outspoken faith off of it, shared how his journey to the NFL was never guaranteed—recalling the end of his high school career with no college offers and uncertain prospects. “I walked off the field my senior year with no idea what was next,” Cousins said. “But my dad reminded me, God has a plan for me.”
Cousins, who played at Michigan State University before being drafted by the Washington Redskins, emphasized that what defines him aren’t his stats, but his heart for Jesus. He shared personal stories about growing up as a pastor’s kid, the guidance of scripture like 1 John 2:6, and the turning point in his life during college after listening to a sermon series on the Book of Daniel. “I made the decision to follow God no matter what,” he said. “Even if it costs me something.”
Throughout the night, Cousins mixed humor and humility as he answered questions from students, touching on topics ranging from balancing faith and football to being a husband and father. “As a dad, you wake up realizing it’s not about you anymore; you can try and make it about you, but you won’t get far,” he said, laughing. When asked about pregame routines, he described his typical game day: waking up early, going over plays, spending time in prayer, heading on the bus, and taking in the moment during the national anthem. “That’s when you look around and realize that there’s someone in every seat,” he said.
Cousins is also known for his viral “You like that?!” catchphrase and post game dances; he laughed when asked about fan interactions. “I’ll be at the airport or get sacked in a game, and someone yells it,” he joked.
Photo by Caleb Costello
But the conversation always returned to faith. “Christianity isn’t just a belief system, it’s a relationship with Jesus,” he said. Cousins compared salvation to being covered in mud, walking toward a white carpet—unable to clean oneself, but made pure through Christ. “We’ve all sinned, and we can’t fix that on our own,” he said. “But Jesus stepped in so we could be made right.”
In a final reflection, Cousins offered a piece of advice that he would give to his younger self: “Trust him.” From being overlooked by recruiters to getting benched in the middle of last season, Cousins said his journey has been filled with unknowns. “But I’ve learned that even when it doesn’t make sense, God is writing the story,” he said.
The night also featured testimonies from UCF track and field athlete Adaobi Tabugbo (‘26) and Rollins student Ian Heart (’27), who each shared how their faith deepened through personal traits, loss, and transformation. Their stories echoed FCA’s mission—to lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and his church—and set the tone for Cousins’ message of trust and surrender.
As the night ended, attendees were reminded of a simple yet powerful message drawn from football: the victory formation. “In football, when the game is won, you snap the ball and take a knee,” said Frank Reynoso, lead pastor at Body of One Ministries. “That’s what we’re doing tonight, surrendering to Jesus because the victory is already his.”
Katie Harwood
Katie is a senior majoring in Business Management and minoring in Communication Studies. She currently serves as a Freelance at The Sandspur.
Studying abroad is a sought-after experience at Rollins College, where, on average, 75 percent of students study abroad during their four years. “Fall 2025 will be the largest semester abroad group ever at 140 students,” said Giselda Beaudin, Director of Global Initiatives.
Within those large numbers, the most popular programs are ones that “are perceived to be more similar to the U.S. (Europe, Australia/New Zealand), and International Programs is actively working to try and generate more excitement and awareness of programs in less-popular destinations like Morocco, South Korea, and Argentina, which are also incredible places to spend a semester abroad,” said Beaudin.
Programs that have an internship attached to the abroad experience are also very popular in the upcoming fall semester, with locations in Sydney, Australia, and London, England.
90+ plus programs are offered, with opportunities for 10-day field studies, summer programs, and semester-long programs. Students can be immersed in different cultures and gain knowledge for their future careers. This is the main goal of the Rollins International Programs: to create “Global Citizens.” Beaudin describes Global Citizens as “people who can be dropped into environments with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures and successfully navigate that.”
Singapore – Photo by Bella Naples
Noah Denmark (‘26) studied abroad through the SIT program in Samoa, where the Pacific Ocean was a short walk away from his homestay. After meeting new people and traveling to other islands like Fiji, he said, “studying abroad creates an experience to better understand other people’s perspectives.”
Rollins International Programs showcases their opportunities to students before they even step foot on campus. An endorsement for the First-Year Program to Costa Rica led by professor Barry Allen is sent out to accepted students before their first fall semester starts. Additionally, programs are highlighted on admissions tours to potential students and their families.
Malaysia – Photo by Bella Naples
On campus, students can find information at tabling and special events, through emails, and during RCC classroom visits. Rollins Study Abroad’s social media platforms are very active, with currently abroad students creating “a day in the life” videos that inspire interest in the programs.
The International Programs office has seen a subtle increase over the long term, with last year marking the highest number of students studying abroad in short-term programs. Beaudin said these programs include “all Rollins field studies and approved summer programs, as well as external summer programs and external short-term programs over winter and spring break.”
The major reason for this large increase of interest in studying abroad is the larger class sizes. In the future, international programs expect to see a minimal decline in students abroad as class sizes decrease.
As Rollins scholarships carry over to these semester-long programs, students pay the same amount here as they would on-campus to study abroad. Paying for these programs showcases Rollins’ commitment to global citizenship and creating global leaders. “Rollins sees a value in this, both for the school and for the students,” said Beaudin.
There are a few exchange student programs at Rollins, which include places like Spain, Morocco, Japan, and Hong Kong. They are great for students who thrive with more independence. Currently, there are exchange students from Japan studying at Rollins.
Costa Rica – Photo by Bella Naples
Mariela Maloney (‘26) described her abroad exchange experience in Oviedo, Spain, as “adding to [her] language, college, and life experience.” Going abroad “makes [me] want to go back and have that immersive experience again,” she said.
Studying abroad is a great way to learn more about the world, to add experience to one’s resume, and to become a Global Citizen as part of the Rollins College Gateway.
Students can access more information about Rollins International Programs here.
Bella Naples
Bella is a Junior majoring in Environmental Studies and minoring in French. She currently is President of EcoRollins and works as a Freelance Writer for The Sandspur.
Op-Ed: A, B, C, D, Education: Trump, the DoE, and History
By Molly Higgins on April 18, 2025
Graphic by Karina Ekholm
The wind chime sounds from below, dancing in the spring breeze. Thin strips of light peak through the blinds as the sun slinks beyond the horizon.
The sounds of springtime—birds chirping in the distance, leaves and wind chimes rustling in the breeze—are supposed to be hopeful, the dawning of a new season.
Today, it sounds like an omen.
My phone is open to the Mail app, the New York Times headline flashing at me.
This wasn’t supposed to happen, as if I’d known it deep in my soul; my future, the one thing I’d been certain of since eighth grade, was not supposed to be ripped out of my hands and into the orange abyss of Donald Trump’s administration.
On March 20, 2025, at 4:41 p.m., the New York Times reported that Donald Trump had signed an executive order to begin dismantling the Department of Education. “We’re going to shut it down, and shut it down as quickly as possible,” Trump said during the signing.
The order argues that “Closing the Department of Education would provide children and their families the opportunity to escape a system that is failing them,” citing low test scores as the reason. It’s no secret that, statistically, test scores among school-aged children are low in the United States, as the education system slowly returns to pre-pandemic normalcy. Yet, the Department states its purpose as “ensuring access to equal educational opportunity for every individual.” The Department of Education does not dictate what a child can and cannot learn, that is left up to the states, but it sets standards in place to make sure that every child can be successful.
The banning of Critical Race Theory creates an idealized society—think dystopian fiction like “The Giver” or “The Hunger Games”—that prevents and shelters students from learning about the darker but important parts of U.S. History that have helped to shape the country they live in today. It eliminates entire decades of curriculum that have been established to set a precedent and to make the world better in the future.
Maybe instead of trying to erase entire portions of the U.S. History curriculum, the U.S. government should make sure that students know what the three branches of government are.
George Washington, the nation’s first president, once said, “a primary object of such a national institution should be the education of our youth in the sciences of government.” The passage of the No Child Left Behind Act in 2002 placed an emphasis on standardized testing, particularly in reading and mathematics, leading to a focus in classrooms on those subjects. A report conducted by The Center on Education Policy in 2007 found that school districts increased instructional time for reading and math by 43 percent, while instructional time for other subjects—like civics and history—decreased by 32 percent.
As a future history teacher, I find these numbers certainly concerning; it’s a teacher’s goal to see their students succeed, not fail. That’s the thing, though; history teachers should be concerned with making sure that their students are succeeding, not looking over their shoulder in fear that they’ll be fired for teaching about civil rights or that America is in fact not the greatest country in the world. Conservatives argue that teachers should be focusing on reading and math, that they don’t have a right to “indoctrinate” the children, if that’s we’re calling history classes nowadays.
Yet, American democracy finds itself to be the most threatened it has been in nearly 250 years, while history and civics—classes that could perhaps restore it—are at the bottom of the educational food chain, essentially preventing the U.S. from moving forward.
Perhaps it’s time to realize the pitfalls in the American education system and realize that dismantling and defunding the Department of Education won’t do anything to fix it.
If not, what hope is there for the future?
The opinions on this page do not necessarily reflect those of The Sandspur or Rollins College. Have any additional tips or opinions? Send us your response. We want to hear your voice.
Molly Higgins
Molly is a freshman intending to major in history and hopes to double minor in American Studies and English. This is her first year writing for The Sandspur and she currently serves as a Freelance Writer.
Clouds of color fill the air. Students in formerly white T-shirts laugh and cheer as they douse each other with vibrant powders of pink, blue, orange, and green. It’s certainly one way to tie-dye.
Hosted by the South Asian Student Association (SASA), Rollins’ Holi celebration took place on Fri., April 11, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Lakeside Lawn.
Holi is traditionally observed on the full-moon day of the Hindu month, Phalguna. The festival of colors, celebrated across South Asia and around the world, gives participants the chance to welcome spring and playfully cover one another in colored powder and water.
Photo by Benton Stalcup
Ryan Persaud (‘26), resource manager for SASA, saw the Holi event as a unifying occasion and symbol of Rollins’ growing diversity. “It was nice to see how accepting other people were,” he said. “It’s a celebration of good over evil with good winning, so who doesn’t love that?”
Persaud’s mention of good prevailing over evil references the story of Prahlad, a prince who defied his father by worshipping the deity, Vishnu. When condemned to death by fire, Prahlad was saved through divine intervention.
Persaud joked that the white T-shirts distributed at the start of the gathering served as “foreshadowing” for what would happen next. “That white T-shirt’s a target, it means you’re going to get powder all over you,” he said.
Since Rollins students were on Spring Break during March 13 and 14, which marked the official observation of Holi, SASA moved to host the event a month later.
Persaud pointed to a silver lining in this delayed celebration. Along with better weather in April, he enjoyed taking a break from studying in Bush Science Center and preparing for finals. “It makes you feel like a child again,” he said. “It’s a good way to honor our heritage and spread some joy.”
Photo by Benton Stalcup
Smruti Jani, professor of mathematics and faculty advisor to SASA, described Holi as a “celebration of community and coming together.” She noted that among the holidays celebrated in the Indian subcontinent and neighboring countries, Holi is one of the most accessible. “It’s easy to jump in, play, get carried away, and enjoy it,” she said.
Alongside having fun with festivals like Holi, Jani explained the mission of SASA as providing a community for students of South Asian origin or descent as well as those interested in learning about South Asian cultures.
Going forward, she hopes to see the educational component of the club continue to develop. “It would be great for this club to offer that sort of eye-opening understanding of the different cultures represented by SASA,” she said.
Photo by Benton Stalcup
When asked for her message to students interested in future SASA events, Jani said, “Keep your eyes open and look out for more, because they’re out for more.” To stay updated on upcoming events, you can follow SASA on Instagram.
Amit Sewnauth
Amit is a junior majoring in Critical Media & Cultural Studies with minors in Political Science and Film Studies. He currently serves as a Staff Writer with the Sandspur.
Every day is Earth Day: Earth Day’s Origin and Upcoming Events
By Aleks Avram on April 18, 2025
Historic sandspur cover earth day 1970 Photo courtesy of Rollins College, “Sandspur, Vol. 76 No. 21, April 17, 1970” (1970). The Rollins Sandspur. 1370.https://stars.library.ucf.edu/cfm-sandspur/1370
The year is 1970, and the winds are swirling—blowing up a storm and sweeping away everything once familiar and firmly rooted. From gender norms to fashion, it’s all being left in the dust of the 1950s. The counterculture of the 1970s and the movements that have risen from the period have defined movements in everything: civil rights, women’s rights, unnecessary invasion and warfare, and perspectives on fashion, music, drugs, and life itself. Among this cascade of radical perspectives came the revised outlook on nature, the environment, and our relationship to both.
On April 22, 1970, the United States witnessed the first observation of Earth Day, a celebration that would soon amass support from millions around the world. The first Earth Day was celebrated by an estimated 20 million Americans on over 2,000 college campuses and in hundreds of communities. While the event has evolved into festivals and events all over the globe, the original Earth Day began as a grassroots organization sponsored by the former senator of Wisconsin, Gaylord Nelson.
As a local of Clear Lake, WI, Nelson says respect for the environment came to him through “osmosis,” and, as governor, he had a prolific agenda centered around environmentalist and conservation efforts. Nelson has been integral to the preservation of the Appalachian Trail, the banning of use of DDT, and the protection of water and air quality. In the early months of 1969, Nelson sought after “unity of purpose” and was worried by the increasing number of environmental catastrophes. Inspired by the anti-war movement in response to the Vietnam War, Nelson applied this strategy to the environment.
Adhering to the grassroots aspect of the event, Nelson equipped an office of college student activists, with Denis Hayes serving as national coordinator. The date chosen was April 22 due to the spring weather and the probability that more students would be on campus and able to participate. The sit-in and national demonstration we’ve come to know as Earth Day was an astonishing success, still being celebrated 55 years later.
Celebrating Earth Day is not only recognizing the intricate and complex systems of the natural world, but it is also emphasizing the need to safeguard the environment.
The city of Orlando has a variety of Earth Day festivals and events for community members to attend.
Join City of Orlando’s Green Works team for Earth Day Work Day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the City Hall Plaza.
400 South Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32801
Aleks Avram
Aleks is a junior majoring in Environmental Studies and minoring in Sustainable Development . She currently serves as a staff writer for The Sandspur and hosts a radio show with WPRK.
If you search the name “Will Lodico” on Spotify or Apple Music, you’ll find more than just music—you’ll discover the resonance of a Rollins College student turning emotion into melody. Releasing his first full EP “Mixed Feelings” last year, Will Lodico (‘27) exposes a raw side of emotion.
“A lot of my lyrics come from a very deep personal place, whether it be from personal experiences, the people I meet, the stories I hear, the way I hurt, and the way I love. Everyday moments, deep conversations, and even just observing the world around me spark ideas that I try to translate into my songs,” said Lodico.
The inspiration and gravity of his emotions become clear within songs such as “Culprit” and “Far Away.” “This album focused more on the rap/confident side of myself while also mixing in some sadder music as well. I wanted to show everyone a blend of confidence and sorrow and how I connect to those emotions,” said Lodico.
The project blends rap and emotional storytelling, with themes of resilience, confidence, searching for something greater, and overcoming personal struggles.
“The most memorable part of creating ‘Mixed Feelings’ was definitely the fun I had making it along the way. I truly love what I do, and I want to use music as a bridge for helping people and making the world a better place. I wanted to create something personal to myself that resonates with people who have faced similar challenges and are looking for hope,” said Lodico.
Lodico credits his upbringing in Queens, New York, followed by his time at Rollins for broadening his worldview. “Whether in my neighborhood, at school, or through personal experiences— [the environment] has definitely played a role in the way I write music,” he said. “I’ve always had a deep connection to music, and it became a natural way for me to express myself. I truly love what I do.”
Unlike many artists who draw inspiration from specific musicians, Lodico focuses on originality. “I don’t take much inspiration from any particular artist,” he said. “I really enjoy making music from the heart, and it’s something I take a lot of pride in.”
Even without direct inspiration to influence his passion and storytelling, Lodico has found ways to overcome writers block without abandoning his art. “The best ideas come when they aren’t forced,” said Lodico. “When I wrote ‘Don’t Disappear’ back in January 2024, I had major writer’s block. I wanted to combine two personal aspects of my life: losing a girl I loved dearly and losing one of my close friends to an untimely passing back in October 2023. The words didn’t come to me until I took a walk down Queens Boulevard a few days later and saw paramedics trying to save a man who was dying… That song came from all the pain and suffering I was going through at the time. The feeling of loving someone and feeling them slip away—knowing things will never go back to the way they were—is terrifying. ‘Don’t Disappear’ has now reached 22,000 streams on Apple Music, and I’m incredibly thankful to everyone who has listened. I hope the song impacts you the way it has impacted me.”
Balancing music with college life has been one of his biggest struggles. “There’s always the challenge of finding time and energy to create while managing other responsibilities,” Lodico said. “I’ve learned to be intentional with my time and surround myself with people who support my goals and aspirations as not only an artist but as a person.”
Lodico has performed multiple live shows on top of his writing, producing, and student life—a balancing act to be applauded—with audiences ranging from 250-300 people. “Seeing the audience connect with what I’m saying in my songs [is] an incredible feeling,” he said. One performance in Long Island, New York stood out in particular. “When I played ‘Don’t Disappear,’ the energy in the room completely shifted. I even saw a woman cry, and knowing my music had that kind of emotional impact was unbelievable.”
Another unforgettable experience for Lodico came when he performed in Brooklyn, New York, at the Roulette Intermedium. “My first time performing in Brooklyn was electric. I was expecting about 60-70 people to show up, and we ended up essentially packing out the venue at 312 people. It was the most nervous I’d ever been for anything in my entire life. The best feeling in my life was running out on that stage and yelling ‘New York City, how we doing tonight?’ and the place erupting. I put my all into every performance, but I left a piece of myself on the stage that night. During my biggest song, ‘I Can’t,’ people were reciting most of the words, and it almost made me lose concentration. I almost wanted to cry. I put my heart and soul into my music, and to see people love the personal parts of myself that I’ve shared with the world makes me a different kind of emotional…That whole experience is something I’ll never forget,” he said.
Although he doesn’t have any upcoming performances at the moment, Lodico is already planning something big across multiple states. His dedication to music and storytelling continues to drive him forward. “Personally,” said Lodico, “I just want to keep learning, evolving, and making the most of every experience. I appreciate everyone who takes the time to listen to my music. It means a lot to share something that comes from such a personal place and have it impact others. There’s a lot more coming soon, so stay tuned!”
Julia Henderson
Julia is a freshman intending to major in chemistry and double minor in art history and English. She currently serves as a Freelance Writer for The Sandspur.
Amidst the usual quiet nature of the Olin Library, a cry rang out from the fire alarms, shattering the silence, warning everyone of nearby danger.
On April 6, between the hours of 7 and 9 p.m., a fire broke out in the men’s bathroom on the third floor of the library. The fire seemed to have been caused by an issue with a lighting fixture, which fell from the wall and into the sink. Taking only a few seconds for the situation to escalate, Campus Safety was soon called to the scene.
“Considering the size of our campus, we do not have an overabundance of false fire alarms,” said Ken Miller, Assistant Vice President of Public Safety.
No damage was done outside of the scene of the fire incident, and the bathroom is currently closed for repairs. There was no campus-wide message sent to inform the community of the incident.
As a result of the fire troubles, a chance to highlight overall fire safety on campus arises.
“We have various calls during the year for microwaves that malfunction or have metal items placed inside of them, which are probably our most common calls dealing with fires,” said Miller. “If you are in a space and hear a fire alarm, take them seriously and take action to ensure your own personal safety.”
Rachelle English
Rachelle is a sophomore majoring in Business Management. She currently serves as a Freelance Writer for The Sandspur.
Rowing has played a significant role in Rollins College’s athletic history, evolving through decades of dedication and persistence. From its early years to its notable achievements on the international stage, the program has seen growth, shaped by influential coaches and key moments.
The earliest-known coaching figure in Rollins crew history dates to 1904, when student coach William Robert Burrel (‘1904) guided the team. By 1908, rowing was under the direction of William Branham, a professor of modern languages, who coached through 1909. However, it was in 1933 that crew at Rollins gained Udolpho Theodore Bradley, a professor of history and a former Navy Plebe rower. Bradley brought with him experience from coaching at Pomfret School in Connecticut and was placed in charge of crew activities upon arrival at Rollins.
Bradley quickly became an important figure in the program’s development. In 1936, he introduced intramural rowing—a structured program that allowed students to compete in rowing events within the college, regardless of their experience. This initiative significantly increased the sport’s popularity on campus by giving more students the opportunity to develop their skills and enjoy the sport in a less formal yet competitive environment. That same year, Rollins secured its first intercollegiate victory—an event made more memorable by the revelation that the coxswain, initially disguised as a boy, was female student Sally Stearns. The incident gained national attention when journalist Walter Winchell publicized a story with headlines reading, “Mystery of Rollins Coxswain Cleared as Sally Stearns Admits Handling 1936 Tiller“.
Rollins began competing as an intercollegiate sport in 1931, with its first public appearance occurring on February 28 at the Mount Dora Regatta. This event was historic for Florida, marking the first time a four-oared race in light boats was ever seen in the state. Before this, heavier wooden whaleboats had been commonly used. The appearance of sleeker, more maneuverable light boats marked a significant evolution in the sport. The Rollins Alumni Record recalled “the days when the Rollins Tars were actually ‘Tars’ and used to ply the oars and trim the sails on the three heavy old whaleboats that were donated by the Navy Department,” which later lay abandoned and rotting near the old boathouse for years.
Photo courtesy of Rollins College Archives
However, World War II brought an interruption to Rollins’ rowing program, with activities suspended from 1943 to 1946. When the sport resumed, it gradually regained momentum, leading to an exceptional 1962-63 season. That year, the crew team broke course records twice and reached the semi-finals at the Henley Royal Regatta on the River Thames in England, marking a great achievement in Rollins rowing history.
Following decades of Bradley’s leadership, Rollins saw another key transition in 1966 when assistant coach Jim Lyden was promoted to head coach. Bradley, who had been recognized as the “Father of Rowing at Rollins,” left a lasting legacy.
Today, Rollins crew continues to build on this legacy. On April 18, the team will compete in the Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association (SIRA) Regatta in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, a major event that draws college teams from across the country. The regatta serves as an opportunity for the team to test its strength against regional and national competitors.
“I am excited for this regatta because it is the most beautiful course that we race on in our season,” said Rollins rower James Cone (’25). “This regatta means a lot to the guys because SIRA medals are heavily regarded and are only won by some of the best programs. It will be exciting as we have some competitive boats that should pace well.”
With a foundation built on dedication, Rollins crew continues to honor its storied past while moving toward new achievements, incorporating the determination and spirit that have defined the program for generations.
Katie Harwood
Katie is a senior majoring in Business Management and minoring in Communication Studies. She currently serves as a Freelance at The Sandspur.
“Your Vote Is a Threat”: Executive Order No. 14248, The SAVE Act, and Voter Suppression
By Ivelisse Rodriguez on April 13, 2025
Graphic by Ivelisse Rodriguez
The path to the ballot box just got more challenging for millions of Americans after President Trump’s executive order on March 25 raised the documentation requirements for voters.
Like the hundreds of previous executive orders President Trump has released since the beginning of his term, this order has faced significant pushback from all sides. Many claim that this order is an overreach of presidential power and undermines the rights of states in matters of their elections.
Critics argue that these measures could have a much stronger impact than just dissuading voter fraud: disenfranchising millions of eligible voters.
The Order
The order outlines a few clear stipulations that could pose barriers for eligible voters across the nation.
While most states do require some form of ID for voter registration, voting in-person, and voting by mail, this order would no longer accept solely a photo ID as valid documentation. Citizens would be required to have a U.S. passport, REAL ID, Military ID, or a government-issued photo ID that either directly states citizenship or is accompanied by additional proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g. birth certificate).
This would affect not only the standard voter registration but overseas/military voters through the Federal Post Card Application. Further, federal agencies would be required to assess citizenship before providing voter registration forms to public assistance program enrollees.
Yet, the provisions do not end at solely identification, with the order’s unprecedented access to voter records by authorizing the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Government Efficiency to review state voter rolls against federal immigration databases.
It also mandates a paper-based voting system, prohibiting barcode or QR code vote-counting.
To enforce the order, Trump directs the Election Assistance Commission to withhold money from states that fail to implement citizenship documentation requirements or choose to accept late mail-in ballots. Mail-in ballots that arrive after election day are not to be counted, even if postmarked before the final deadline.
As the order’s sweeping provisions extend federal authority further than before, legal experts and voting rights advocates are fighting back.
Legal Challenges
Within days, four separate lawsuits hit federal courts, each asserting that the executive order threatens fundamental voting rights and oversteps presidential authority to dictate election procedures.
The legal challenges—filed by civil rights organizations, voting rights groups, and Democratic leaders—specifically target how the documentation requirements would disenfranchise historically marginalized communities.
“This measure will no doubt disproportionately impact historically-excluded communities, including voters of color, naturalized citizens, people with disabilities, and the elderly, by pushing unnecessary barriers to the fundamental right to vote,” said Sophia Lin Lakin, Director of the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project, in a press release.
Yet, this was not limited to third party organizations. A coalition of states followed, filing suits against the Trump administration, including California, Rhode Island, and Washington. The DNC, the Democratic Governors Association, and Senate and House Democratic leaders also filed soon after with a complaint of their own.
“The president’s executive order is an unlawful action that threatens to uproot our tried-and-tested election systems and silence potentially millions of Americans,” said Danielle Lang, Senior Director of Voting Rights at the Campaign Legal Center. “It is simply not within the president’s authority to set election rules by executive decree, especially when they would restrict access to voting in this way.”
Congressional Challenges
The threat to election systems does not end with the order. In 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, but it did not pass Congress and was reintroduced for this legislative session by Representative Roy Chip of Texas. On April 10, the bill passed the House, and it now awaits further judgment in the Senate.
If this act were to pass, many voter rights organizations would fear similar consequences to the order.
A survey conducted by the Brennan Center for Justice found that more than 9 percent of American citizens of voting age, or 21.3 million people, don’t have proof of citizenship readily available.
Like the order, it essentially eliminates mail-in registration and restricts alternatives—such as online and voter registration drives—to registering in person. There is no clear online documentation system for proof of citizenship stipulated.
These narrower pathways to registration stand to make it increasingly more difficult for vulnerable populations to engage in their civic duty.
Voters Left Behind: The Demographics Most Affected
While the executive order and SAVE Act apply broadly to all Americans, voting rights experts and advocates point to specific demographic groups who will shoulder a disproportionate share of the new barriers to ballot access.
“About 9 percent of U.S. citizens do not have a valid photo ID, and 12 percent have an ID with incorrect information on it, with poorer people, younger people, people with disabilities, and people of color being more likely to lack such identification,” said Patrick Rickert, professor of political science at Rollins College.
Married women who have changed their surnames have become a particular targeted group that may face additional hurdles under the new documentation requirements.
“Nearly 80 percent of married women—more than 69 million American women—adopt their partner’s surname, and they would be unable to register to vote if the name on their ID does not directly match their proof of citizenship,” said the League of Women Voters in a press release.
The order also limits mail-in ballots, which may have the impact to impact rural and low-income communities.
“I find this executive order to be particularly heinous because mail-in ballots have never been an unsecure method of voting; they’re only being demonized because of partisan tendencies,” said Stella Morris (‘26), Coordinator of the Rollins College Democracy Project. “It just ends up hurting everybody, particularly rural voters and low-income voters.”
Restrictions on mail-in ballots may pose a significant barrier for college students, a population that has historically struggled with voter turnout.
While rates of voting in higher education increased in the 2020 election, the CIRCLE at Tufts estimates that 42 percent of young voters, ages 18-29, cast ballots in the 2024 presidential election, as opposed to the 53 percent in the 2020 election. These restrictions on mail-in ballots may only further reduce participation.
“College students are considerably less likely to have documentation proving their citizenship status easily accessible,” said Rickety. “Most people did not pack their birth certificates when they were moving to their dorms and so would have to make their parents send it or go retrieve it.”
College students presently have two address options when they register to vote: their home address or their college address if living on campus.
“Usually, I recommend that students vote where they most care about making a change, with the exception of students coming from Puerto Rico, but if I were registering students to vote today, I would tell them to register on campus,” said Morris (‘26).
Out of state students may still struggle to gather the proper documentation and will likely have to be diligent about sending their absentee ballot with plenty of time before Election Day.
The Path Forward
While specific demographic groups face unique challenges under the new requirements, political scientists and legal experts are examining the broader constitutional and practical implications of these changes.
“States are responsible for making their own laws governing elections, unless Congress passes a law that supersedes it,” said Rickert. “The current Court has been protective of voting rights over the past several years, and so I see clear legal hurdles to this being implemented.”
Rickert explains that while it is not uncommon for a president to try to extend their authority, it is rare to see push from the federal level to limit elections. Historically, states are the ones developing more stringent policies.
“The research on ID requirements is mixed both in its effectiveness and its impact on voters,” said Rickert. “We know that voter fraud is extraordinarily rare in the United States—by some estimates, less than 10 instances across the over 100 million votes cast every election—and the majority of those are someone mistakenly casting their ballot at the wrong polling place.”
Preventing voter fraud was a clear talking point in President Trump’s executive order and surrounds much of the rhetoric regarding the SAVE Act.
“We’re going to fix our elections, so that our elections are going to be honorable and honest and people leave and they know their vote is counted,” said Trump. “We are going to have free and fair elections and ideally, we go to paper ballots, same-day voting, proof of citizenship, very big, and voter ID, very simple.”
While both sides of the issue espouse that the upholding of this order—or the passing of the SAVE Act bill—are contingent in our upcoming elections, Rickert argues there is not much to fear.
“These regulations, if they are maintained by the courts, could theoretically disproportionately impact certain demographic groups,” said Rickert. “The research says that these regulations don’t help as much as their supporters claim or do as much damage as their opponents fear.”
The administration maintains these measures are necessary for election integrity, but it is up to the courts to see if this order will hold up. The SAVE Act has already passed the House on April 10 and now awaits the judgment of the U.S. Senate.
No matter what, it does remain illegal for non-U.S. citizens to vote in elections.
As legal challenges continue to advance through the courts, voting rights advocates urge citizens to remain engaged despite potential obstacles. In addressing her fellow Rollins students, Morris (‘26) shared some words.
“Do not be discouraged, in fact, be encouraged,” said Morris (‘26). “If the Trump administration felt like your vote wasn’t a threat, they wouldn’t be putting in so much effort to make it as difficult as possible for you to go to the polls. Do not let it overwhelm you—they do that on purpose. Stay vigilant.”
Ivelisse Rodriguez
Ivelisse is a senior majoring in English and minoring in Secondary Education. She currently serves as a Staff Writer and this is her first year working for The Sandspur.
Op-Ed: Was Frank Lloyd Wright Right? America’s Famous Architect Warned us of the Shift from Democracy to “Mobocracy”
By Arabella Lilleslatten on April 13, 2025
The Usonian Faculty House at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. Photo by Arabella Lilleslatten
“What great State has not been eventually ruined by the ‘patriotism’ of conscienceless public servants? History has no conflict on this point. All have died of exploited FEAR.” – Frank Lloyd Wright, “Wake Up, Wisconsin” (1952)
If you read Frank Lloyd Wright’s commentary on democracy, you may think he is living in the United States in 2025. Wright, the pioneer of modern organic architecture, was born at the end of the American Civil War in 1865 and lived until 1959, the height of the Space Race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.
He called his later style the “Usonian” style to embody the United States middle class, and he did not design to dominate. Wright designed very few skyscrapers, only one of which was built, and was wary of building anything that lost sight of the earth. Although his best-known domestic designs in Pennsylvania and Chicago were for well-to-do clients, he also tried to make homes that were affordable for common people in the early 20th century.
For Wright, architecture was a social force as well as an aesthetic one. The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation writes that Wright “devoted his life to creating a total aesthetic that would enhance society’s wellbeing.” It’s no surprise, then, that he also made very public political commentary throughout his life.
Wright also wrote of the dangers of American politicians, using fear as a political tactic in a 1952 letter called “Wake Up Wisconsin.”
Wright himself feared the effects of the American public, which he coined the “mobocracy,” because it was not educated or eager to shape its government and culture. “We are the victims of moral cowards putting up a sham fight. What great State has not been eventually ruined by the “patriotism” of conscienceless public servants? History has no conflict on this point. All have died of exploited FEAR.”
“Fear is the real danger in any democracy. Our worst enemy now is this craven fear managed by conscienceless politicians. Scare the mob! Huddle the timid voters at the polls and a politician gets what he wants by exploiting their fears. Mobocracy, afraid, can always bid more votes than true democracy, unless aroused, can ever hope to counteract,” he said.
When the world’s most famous architect is an outspoken pacifist, anti-nationalist, and anti-authoritarian activist, it draws attention. In particular, it drew attention from the FBI.
Just after the US became involved in World War II, the FBI honed in on Wright and his Taliesin estate in Wisconsin. A federal judge accused him of telling his apprentices to avoid the draft by applying for conscientious objector status. They amassed a thick file of criminal accusations and tips from citizens accusing Wright of communism.
They also took note that on nationally broadcast television, Wright suggested that First Lady Mamie Eisenhower contain her husband’s military impulses. During a time of anti-communist frenzy, such behavior would easily garner government interest.
Wright had a lot more to say, of course. As Audrey Gray put it in that same “Metropolis” article, “he warned America a long time ago that the executive branch could overstep with the media’s help.”
Gray explained this using a quote from Wright’s self-published Taliesin Square-Paper in 1941:
“With this elected president cheerfully making a role for himself never intended for the president of this republic, in any circumstances whatsoever, the role of ruler, we the people of this country, unable to see clearly, are sinking deeper into fatal coma—we are less and less able to recognize ourselves as a free, independent nation.”
Continuing on, he said, “Instead of an honest forthright independence, all we know is what we read in the papers and all the papers know is what they think is good for the people to know in the circumstances.”
Wright’s beliefs of individualism in architecture were politically colored. He was both a pacifist and a true patriot, who believed architecture was the “mother of all the arts.”
During his time, America struggled with both its political identity and architectural identity—most Americans wanted their buildings to be fashionable and European-inspired, which Wright despised.
His outlook is nearly identical to that of the character Howard Roark from Ayn Rand’s “The Fountainhead,” one of the most classic novels of individualism. Rand was the famous Russian philosopher who created a brand of libertarianism that inspired the American Conservative Party—she notably did not endorse any political group, supported the right to abortion, and hated that political conservatives were entangled with organized religion.
Many believe that Rand based Howard Roark off Frank Lloyd Wright. The book centers around two fundamentally different people. Peter Keating amasses money and fame by copying the classical European style of architecture, deceiving friends and coworkers and using Roark’s help and ideas to advance his career without giving him credit. Roark is ostracized for his modernist designs that are inspired by the natural landscape, turning down projects that conform to classical conventions, even if it lands him in poverty or requires him to quit architecture. He designs buildings that suit their inhabitants while never compromising his stubborn convictions.
In essence, a person’s taste in architecture can illuminate their worldview. One of President Donald Trump’s first executive orders that got lost in the shuffle was reinstating his first-term policy that requires government buildings to be built in “classical” styles instead of modernist ones; such traditional styles include Greco-Roman, Renaissance, Beaux-Arts, and Georgian styles. The order even specifies which architects to imitate, such as John Russell Pope, who built the National Archives.
Frank Lloyd Wright and Howard Roark would be gravely disappointed by the Beautiful Federal Civic Architecture executive order, which aims to promote nationalism and encourages architecture that “commands public admiration.”
The list of acceptable architects to emulate notably omits Frank Lloyd Wright, the most beloved American architect of all time. He believed a nation’s buildings can tell a lot about its values and can shape political attitudes. As the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation said, he loved Whitman and Emerson and focused on celebrating the natural landscape and individualism in his designs. It was not arrogant as it intended to join humans with nature and build relationships between inhabitants of the home based on furniture, lighting, and placement of gathering spaces.
In his book “When Democracy Builds,” Wright said that what Americans should pursue is “an architecture that seeks to serve man rather than to become… one of those forces that try to rule over him.”
Wright’s ideas about American democracy warrant reflection right now, and his building style, based on mutual respect and individualism, should be considered when prescribing how American public buildings are built. He would have viewed Trump’s order and autocratic moves as a betrayal of the essence of American character.
“A free America… means just this: individual freedom for all, rich or poor,” said Wright. “[O]r else this system of government we call democracy is only an expedient to enslave man to the machine and make him like it.”
The opinions on this page do not necessarily reflect those of The Sandspur or Rollins College. Have any additional tips or opinions? Send us your response. We want to hear your voice.
Arabella Lilleslatten
Arabella hails from Sanibel Island, Florida, and is a senior double majoring in Political Science and Music/vocal performance. She started as a Staff Writer for the Sandspur and is now a columnist.
Comments are closed.