Carnegie Mellon University announced that the school has lifted its temporary ban on painting “The Fence,” a long-standing symbol of free speech on campus, following backlash over its closure during and after Trump’s recent visit.
The Fence was shut down last week after members of the CMU College Democrats painted messages criticizing Trump’s 2023 civil trial verdict, including phrases like “Shame on you” and “No Rapists on Our Campus.”
The university painted over the messages twice, prompting criticism from students across the political spectrum.
In a letter to the campus community, the university’s president, Farnam Jahanian, acknowledged that Trump’s visit “angered and hurt” many, and that his previous response failed to address the impact of sexual violence.
He said The Fence would reopen without new restrictions but urged students to consider “the impact of their words” in public discourse.
Trump appeared at Carnegie Mellon for the Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit, hosted by U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick. Jahanian said further conversations will be held over the summer with campus groups about the future of The Fence.
College Republicans president Anthony Cacciato expressed cautious optimism, while CMU College Democrats did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
