Tampa, FL – On November 20, students held a rally at the University of South Florida (USF) calling for increased protections for immigrant students. The event was hosted by Tampa Bay Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) as a part of their campaign, “Immigrants are Here to Stay,” to win noncompliance with federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security and its Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Customs and Border Protection, that are charged with implementing attacks on the undocumented.
Oshkosh, WI – November 21 marks the 50th anniversary of one of the darkest moments in the history of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (UWO). On this day in 1968, 94 African American students and their supporters marched to the administrative offices at Dempsey Hall and occupied the then-university president's office. Angered by the poor living conditions, grading discrimination, inability to sign up for classes, the lack of African American history and art courses and no Black cultural center on campus, these students demanded change.
Jacksonville, FL – Students at a local Jacksonville high school are calling foul on a racist dress code policy implemented by administration last week.
Tampa, FL – The Tampa Bay chapter of Students for a Democratic Society held a rally on the campus of University of South Florida, November 5 to demand that the school administrators not comply with federal agencies’ attempts to attack immigrants. These agencies include the FBI, ICE, and the Department of Homeland Security, all of which are involved in finding and deporting undocumented people, including students. The information that is currently shared to these agencies includes where a student lives, their classes, and their current immigration status.
Oshkosh, WI – On Oct. 25, UW-Oshkosh Students for a Democratic Society (UWO SDS) hosted an event regarding the campus administration's current budget cutting policies. Members of UWO SDS were joined via Google Hangout by a leading student activist from UW-Superior and a member of UW-Parkside SDS, as well as a few members of the UWO faculty.
Oshkosh, WI – 20 people rallied outside of Polk Library on the UW-Oshkosh (UWO) campus, on the evening of October 29, to stand in solidarity with transgender and gender non-conforming people as they face attacks from the reactionary Trump administration.
Salt Lake City, UT – More than 70 people rallied in downtown Salt Lake City, October 27, to protest Trump’s proposed policies that would erase protections for transgender and non-binary individuals. Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) at the University of Utah organized the event, in conjunction with other protests by SDS chapters around the country.
Salt Lake City, UT – Student activists from as far as Massachusetts, Florida, Texas and Minnesota gathered in Salt Lake City for the 13th annual Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) national convention over the weekend of October 20.
Northampton, MA – Western Massachusetts Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) held a rally and speak out for transgender rights, October 26, in downtown Northampton’s Pulaski Park. Pulaski Park is a block from Smith College, and a short trip from Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, Amherst College, and UMass Amherst.
Tampa, FL – More than 50 Tampa area students and community activists gathered at the University of South Florida’s MLK Plaza, October 24, for a rally against Trump’s attacks on transgender rights. The protest was organized by Tampa Bay Students for a Democratic Society (SDS).
Tampa, FL – Tampa Bay Students for Democratic Society (SDS) held an immigration panel at the University of South Florida October 15, as part of their ongoing campaign for USF administration to not comply with federal immigration efforts on campus. Their demands for university non-compliance with DHS, the FBI and ICE come amid national student struggle against university complicity with anti-immigrant measures.
Tampa, FL – Over 30 University of South Florida students protested the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, Oct. 9. The demonstration occurred at the Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza on USF Tampa’s campus and was hosted by Tampa Bay SDS. Chants at the protest included “We believe her, we believe Christine!” and “Hell no, we won’t budge! We don’t want a rapist judge!”
Denver, CO – On October 4, Denver Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) joined a nationwide protest against Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation, which is scheduled for Saturday. The students gathered at the Auraria campus with signs reading, “Cancel Kavanaugh,” “Convict Kavanaugh” and “Stand with survivors.” Members also chalked the sidewalk with the same slogans, which remained long after the protest ended.
Tampa, FL – On October 4, over 20 students protested at the University of South Florida against the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh for a seat on the U.S. Supreme Court. Students denounced the Trump administration for the mishandling of the accusations against Kavanaugh, their rushed FBI investigation, and Trump’s mocking and blatant disrespect for Christine Blasey Ford, one of the survivors. Protesters were also disgusted by the blatant rape apologism demonstrated by prominent Senate Republicans, such as Lindsey Graham.
Minneapolis, MN – On October 4, youth and community members across the country participated in a national day of action to protest Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, and to support survivors of sexual violence. Organized by Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), more than 50 people gathered at the University of Minnesota's Coffman Memorial Union, while more than 3000 people gathered in Washington D.C. and scores of cities across the country, to protest Kavanaugh's nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Arlington, TX – University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) has a bust, and the University Center named, in honor of one of its first Presidents – Ernest H. Hereford. The bust was commissioned in October of 1958, a month before his death, and the center was renamed in his honor in February 1959 by the Texas A&M system. For almost 60 years the bust and center have stood at the University.
Tampa, FL – Members from Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) from the Universities of South Florida (USF) and North Florida (UNF) held a Black Lives Matter event, Aug. 30, at the campus of USF. The rally was in direct response to the numerous instances of racist incidents and white supremacy on campus, including the placement of white-supremacist flyers on the MLK Jr. statue at the university, as well as the writings of racial slurs in a residential hall. The lack of acknowledgment and confrontation towards these problems by university administrators prompted members of SDS to demand accountability from USF.
Minneapolis, MN – On May 3, around two dozen people gathered to protest the increased militarization of the University of Minnesota Police Department. The rally, held by Students for a Democratic Society, was part of a broader campaign to disarm the UMPD.
Madison, WI – On May 9, dozens of students, faculty, campus workers and supporters gathered on the steps of the capitol building just off of State Street in Madison, to protest the continued attacks against public education. These attacks predate Governor Scott Walker's administration but have intensified significantly since he took office in 2011. People came from Steven's Point, Eau Claire, Kenosha, Oshkosh (represented by UW-Oshkosh Students for a Democratic Society), Madison and elsewhere.
New York, NY – On May 6, a group of activists from various organizations followed up their celebration of Karl Marx’s birthday by meeting up with students at The New School to show their solidarity with the cafeteria occupation and the food service workers.