WashU Experts Discuss Minneapolis Unrest

Panelists analyze the impact of recent protests and the role of civic action in shaping social movements.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A panel discussion was held at Washington University in St. Louis examining the significance of current social movements in Minneapolis and across the United States. The panelists, including experts from WashU's Departments of African & African American Studies and American Culture Studies, discussed the impact of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and reports of public brutality in Minneapolis, as well as the role of civic action in shaping these movements locally and nationally.

Why it matters

The discussion provided insights into how current social movements are unfolding, the mental health toll on protesters, and the challenges of sustaining long-term change. As tensions rise in Minneapolis and across the country, understanding the dynamics of these movements and how individuals can get involved is crucial.

The details

The panel featured Vetta Sanders Thompson, E. Desmond Lee Professor of Racial and Ethnic Diversity at WashU's Brown School; Andy Andrews, sociology professor and director of graduate studies in sociology; and Sherita Love, a facilitator at Crossroads Antiracism Organizing and Training in St. Louis. They discussed the significance of the recent protests in Minneapolis, the role of civic action in shaping social movements, and the mental health challenges faced by protesters.

  • The panel discussion was held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • Since the start of 2026, ICE has killed two bystanders in Minneapolis, inflaming a social movement throughout the city as people protest ICE's actions.

The players

Vetta Sanders Thompson

E. Desmond Lee Professor of Racial and Ethnic Diversity at WashU's Brown School.

Andy Andrews

Sociology professor and director of graduate studies in sociology at WashU.

Sherita Love

Facilitator at Crossroads Antiracism Organizing and Training in St. Louis.

Kia Caldwell

Professor of African & African American Studies at WashU, who moderated the panel discussion.

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What they’re saying

“We learn lessons from those who came before us. Who matters? Who doesn't? Who gets to say what justice is and what it's not? And what do we do in the interim, when the cameras go away, when this is no longer a headline?”

— Sherita Love, Facilitator at Crossroads Antiracism Organizing and Training (studlife.com)

“There have been moves by the Trump administration that, in a sense, have played into the hands of weakening its larger project.”

— Andy Andrews, Sociology professor and director of graduate studies in sociology (studlife.com)

“What I see as a [clinical] psychologist is the potential for a mental health crisis.”

— Vetta Sanders Thompson, E. Desmond Lee Professor of Racial and Ethnic Diversity (studlife.com)

“As long as hope is present, people will act. When people are so overwhelmed that they won't activate anymore, that's when hope is lost.”

— Vetta Sanders Thompson, E. Desmond Lee Professor of Racial and Ethnic Diversity (studlife.com)

The takeaway

The panel discussion highlighted the complex dynamics of the current social movements in Minneapolis and across the country, emphasizing the importance of civic action, mental health support for protesters, and sustaining long-term change. As tensions continue to rise, understanding these issues and finding ways to get involved will be crucial for the community.