Members of University of Oregon students, classified staff, and faculty gathered outside Johnson Hall on Thursday Nov. 12, demanding tuition-free public education, cancellation of student debt for everyone across the country and a $15 minimum wage to benefit on-campus workers.
The protest was a part of the nationwide “Million Student March,” taking place in 110 universities. Members of the Student Labor Action Project and the Graduate Teaching Fellow Federation organized the march on the UO campus.
GTFF President Joe Henry spoke on behalf of the union, saying that the university administration prioritizes “profit over people.”
Henry said that during their strike last year the administration contracted private law firms in order to implement the UO Academic and Research Continuity Plan, which is the university’s plan of action when there is a disruption in class schedules. He said that the university responded to the strike by “intimidating department chairs, faculty and hiring ‘scabs’ to bust our strike.”
Amy Krol, a UO alumnus, also spoke on the steps of Johnson Hall. Despite working 20 hours a week during school and over 60 hours a week during summer as well as earning over $16,000 in scholarships, she said, she was $37,000 in debt.
“Debt is not an economic issue; it’s a moral issue, it’s a power issue,” Krol said. “40 million Americans with student debt. That is collective power that we have. Now we are wielding it.”
Darren Divers, a member of the United Academics faculty union, spoke in support of the #MillionStudentMarch movement.
“Too often we decide to take an action only when we see what is it in for ourselves,” he said. “I think that faculty need to come out and support you because that is the ethically, morally and decent thing to do.”
At one point a poster picturing an empty thermometer was shared among the audience, and was filled in based on how much debt respondents said they had. The thermometer ended at $425,000. It was filled within 15 minutes of its circulation.
SLAP is asking university President Michael Schill to sign a pledge that would require him to keep all UO public employees updated on their loan forgiveness options. A government program called Public Service Loan Forgiveness could allow them to have their direct federal loans to be given tax-free.
The rally ended within an hour, with some members immediately leaving to participate in the nearby “Solidarity with Mizzou” event organized by the Black Women of Achievement. The poster indicating debt was left on the front doors.
Million Student March for free tuition reaches steps of Johnson Hall
Andrew Field
November 12, 2015
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