Protestors rally in the Studley Quad at Dalhousie, with Ziggy Kirch, president of the NSCAD Student Union, leading chants. (Lukas Kohler/The Dalhousie Gazette)
Protestors rally in the Studley Quad at Dalhousie, with Ziggy Kirch, president of the NSCAD Student Union, leading chants. (Lukas Kohler/The Dalhousie Gazette)

Nova Scotia students rally at Dalhousie during week-long strike

Students seek affordable tuition, divestment

March 26, 2026 /

University students from across Nova Scotia gathered outside Dalhousie University’s Henry Hicks Building on March 18, rallying for tuition affordability and divestment from entities they deem unethical.

The rally was the main event of a province-wide student strike that occurred from March 15 to 21. The Dalhousie Student Union passed a strike mandate on March 12, with 64.2 per cent of participating students voting in favour. 

Related: LIVE: Student strike updates | Dalhousie Gazette

Attendees chalked the pavement in front of the Hicks before marching and chanting along University Avenue until they reached Robie Street.

“What do we want? Free tuition! When do we want it? Now! And if we don’t get it? Shut it down!”

Related: DSU passes student strike motion with 64.2% in favour | Dalhousie Gazette

Malcolm Mealey, Dalhousie student and an organizer for Nova Scotia Student Strike, leads a chant. (Lukas Kohler/The Dalhousie Gazette)
Rally-goers chalk the pavement outside Dalhousie’s Henry Hicks Building, consisting of Dalhousie administration offices. (Lukas Kohler/The Dalhousie Gazette)
David Westwood, the president of the Dalhousie Faculty Association, holds a flag showing solidarity from the DFA. Mealey said she was happy to see DFA support. (Lukas Kohler/The Dalhousie Gazette)
Maren Mealey, Dalhousie Student Union president, puts chalk on the side of the Henry Hicks Building. (Lukas Kohler/The Dalhousie Gazette)
Rally-goers chant about affordable tuition and divestment while marching down University Avenue at the centre of Dalhousie’s Studley Campus. (Lukas Kohler/The Dalhousie Gazette)
Some rally-goers pose for a picture around the Dalhousie sign on Robie Street at the end of the March 18 rally. (Lukas Kohler/The Dalhousie Gazette)

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Lukas Kohler

Lukas is in his third year of studying for a major in marine biology and a minor in journalism at Dalhousie University. Last year, Lukas was part of the Gazette team as its assistant visuals editor. He hopes to use his skills in photography and videography to create a stunning features section and newspaper overall. Lukas spent the last four summers working at CHCO-TV and The Courier, a television and newspaper station based in Charlotte County, New Brunswick. He hopes his experience in a multi-platform newsroom will allow him to bring many unique skills to the table at the Gazette. You can contact Lukas at lukas.kohler@dalgazette.com

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