Dr. Faraz Harsini, founder of Allied Scholars for Animal Protection (ASAP), explains why he believes reaching college students is one of the most effective strategies for creating lasting change for animals.
Speaking from the University of Texas at Austin, Harsini traces his path from human rights and environmental advocacy to animal protection, describing how issues such as climate change, public health, food systems, and animal agriculture became increasingly interconnected in his work.
He also shares ASAP’s approach to educating and organizing students at universities, where future doctors, scientists, policymakers, CEOs, voters, and other leaders are forming the ideas they will carry into their careers. With chapters at universities across the country, ASAP aims to bring conversations about animals, plant-based food systems, climate, ethics, and systemic change directly to the next generation.
Harsini’s message is straightforward: changing systems requires changing culture—and investing in the people who will shape what comes next.