Modern-Day Draft: The Reasons Behind Stanford Students’ Walkout During Sundar Pichai’s Commencement Address

EVA JONES: I recently graduated with a master’s degree in hydrology and water resources, and I also completed my bachelor’s programs in feminist philosophy and freshwater engineering.

I arrived at Stanford five years ago from a rural town in Oregon, believing that a place like Stanford aimed to unite minds and resources to confront existential threats to humanity and to create a world characterized by connection and belonging.

I’m curious, Amanda, you mentioned how you became involved in student organizing at the outset. I’d love to hear from both of you about your journeys. How did you transition from student to campus activist and organizer?

Jones: I came to Stanford ready to engage as a student organizer. My peers and I were part of a generation committed to climate justice and anti-gun violence initiatives, entering university with the intent to use our voices to shape the future.

Upon arriving at Stanford, I became involved in anti-sexual violence efforts, which quickly placed me at odds with the administration.

By 2023, when student encampments in solidarity with Palestine emerged, we witnessed many more students uniting to create something beyond mere opposition. It was a remarkable moment that allowed us to define our own reasons for pursuing education and what we desired to achieve.

Campos: In contrast to Eva, I didn’t arrive at Stanford as a student organizer, yet I quickly took on that role because it was necessary.

Initially, I came in somewhat idealistic, believing Stanford was a place for innovating environmental solutions and helping people.

I recognized the power of education and the influence of a Stanford degree as a means to that end. However, my understanding of power has evolved, especially through my organizing experiences. I initially saw power as something to be obtained, but now I see it as something we create collectively through our voices.

Participating in SJP organizing has been incredibly liberating for me. I hold a lot of hope for the student movement.

Theo Baker has published a new book titled How to Rule the World which, like both of you mentioned, portrays Stanford as a pathway into tech careers and Silicon Valley—a place marked by clubbiness, tech elitism, venture capitalists searching for talent, and significant ethical lapses among students, faculty, and administration. What are your thoughts on that book?

Jones: I have concerns about someone aiming to shape their career by engaging in the rampant consumption of American cultural fascination with elite universities. This focus tends to distract from the real issues, which often pertain to career pipelines driven by defense interests at these universities and in Silicon Valley, where companies contribute to harmful technologies and systems of control.