Minneapolis, MN – Students from the University of Minnesota gathered for the Student State of the University, March 10. The Student State of the University has been an annual response to the administration’s State of the University. The administration delivered its State of the University one week earlier. Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) called for a Student’s State of the University as in an effort to juxtaposition the concerns of students with those of its administration.
Chicago, IL – The announcement of Donald Trump’s visit to the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) came one week before his scheduled, March 11 appearance. Within minutes, there was a Facebook page announcing plans to protest. There was also a moveon.org petition calling on the administration at UIC to cancel the rally.
Chicago, IL – Thousands of protesters are rallying against Donald Trump tonight, March 11, on the campus of the University of Illinois (UIC). Community groups, including the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, have joined join the demonstration.
Charlotte, NC – On March 4, 30 activists from across Charlotte united to march against the ongoing abuse of power and racist violence employed by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) and various police departments across the state.
The Student Commission of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) met recently to discuss building the student movement into a force for change. The students made plans to organize with their friends in Students for a Democratic Society and other student groups, while recruiting more young revolutionaries to the FRSO.
Arlington, TX – Progressive Student Union had their second Donald Trump Piñata Bash, March 1, at the University of Texas at Arlington for Super Tuesday, the day when the primaries for a majority of the South, including Texas, took place. Twenty people came out to look, take photos and bash the Donald Trump piñata.
Saint Cloud, MN – 30 students disrupted traffic at a Saint Cloud State University (SCSU) hockey game, Feb. 27, to protest student debt and the cost of tuition. Three weeks ago, members of the People’s Collective (PC) issued the call for a protest, and members of the University of Minnesota Students for a Democratic Society (UMN SDS), Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) General Defense Committee Local 14, as well as high school students from Champlin Park High School all joined in.
Tampa, FL – Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) at the University of South Florida (USF) held a lecture and then a protest as part of Black History Month.
Minneapolis, MN – More than 70 students, staff, faculty and community members protested a speech titled “CALM DOWN!! Restoring Common Sense to Feminism” delivered by journalist Milo Yiannopoulos at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, Feb. 17.
Houston, TX – On Feb. 25, the Republican candidates debate will take place at the University of Houston (UH). As part of their Dump Trump campaign, Students for a Democratic Society held a Trump piñata bash on campus, Feb. 19. Students walking by said they were very impressed with the piñata and support the Dump Trump campaign. Some offered to help us hand out leaflets for the protest of the debate.
Tallahassee, FL – A group of students gathered at Florida State University (FSU), Feb. 16, to demand Joe Gruters resign his position as head of the FSU Board of Trustees Finance Committee. Students oppose Gruters because he is the co-chair of the Florida Donald Trump campaign. Trump is widely known for promoting fear and hatred, especially towards Muslims and Mexicans.
Tampa, FL – Tampa Bay Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) protested Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at the University of South Florida on Feb. 12. Over 150 students and activists rallied outside the USF Sun Dome against Trump’s racist, anti-immigrant and anti-refugee agenda.
Arlington, TX – The Progressive Student Union at the University of Texas, Arlington (UTA) held a Dump Trump Piñata Bash, Feb. 9, to protest the presidential candidate's racism and xenophobia. Around 30 students gathered around a piñata made to look like Donald Trump. Some took pictures and others took videos, while still others took turns striking the piñata. Candy flew on the grass with each swing.
Tallahassee, FL – On Feb. 10, students at Florida State University (FSU) took turns hitting piñatas made in the image of 2016 Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump. The event was organized by Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), whose members stated concerns about Trump’s proposed policies, such as building a wall on the U.S. – Mexico border, banning Muslim immigrants from entering the U.S., as well as mass deportations of undocumented people.
Houston, TX – A Republican debate is scheduled for the University of Houston on Feb. 26. In response, Students for a Democratic Society are calling for a protest to “Dump Trump!” Students are demanding the University of Houston oppose, instead of host, the Republican agenda of fear, hatred, racism and war.
Milwaukee, WI – About 20 students and faculty members rallied at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Feb. 3, and marched on university Chancellor Mark Mone's Spring Plenary address at the Zelazo Center.
Florida bill would punish companies boycotting Israeli occupation
Tallahassee, FL – On the morning of Feb. 4, a group of Florida State students and community activists attended the Florida House State Affairs Committee to speak out against proposed House Bill 527. The bill, sponsored by Florida Representative Ritch Workman of Melbourne, would penalize companies for participating in the growing movement to boycott, divest and sanction (BDS) the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestine.
Houston, TX – Over 60 people gathered in front of the library at the University of Houston, Jan. 29, to protest against police brutality and demand justice for Sandra Bland, an African American woman who was murdered at the nearby Waller County jail last summer. The protest was organized by Students for a Democratic Society and participants included members of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, the Houston Anti-War Committee, the Student Feminist Organization, the New Black Panther Party, Workers World Party and a few other groups.
Salt Lake City, UT – Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) gathered on campus, Jan. 22, to demand a tuition freeze. They marched from the Student Union building to the university's law building where they entered the lunch that the State Board of Regents was holding with the presidents of every local university and college that are part of the state’s high education program. They delivered a short speech, and chanted, “Fight, fight, fight, fight. Education is a right!” and “Chop from the top.”