On April 13th, the Student House of Representatives introduced a bill to cut hundreds of thousands of dollars of funding for nine student clubs and organizations, including The Criterion, Horizon Magazine, the Literary Review, PEP Band, and all Greek life organizations. In particular, the Literary Review, Horizon Magazine and PEP Band would have lost ALL of their funding, and would have been forced to dissolve.
The Associated Student Government attempted to use underhanded shock tactics to destroy these pillars of student life, but public outrage and organized opposition led by the CMU chapter of the Young Democratic Socialists of America and student clubs affected by the cuts forced ASG to admit the process was “rushed” and “lacked clear communication”. Because of our pressure campaign, the funding resolution has been removed from the Senate’s agenda.
This is a pioneering victory for the students of CMU, and was only possible because students took precious time out of their days to mobilize quickly to defend their clubs. Students from CMU YDSA, the clubs impacted by cuts, and many others showed speed and effectiveness in organizing for their campus. The Young Democratic Socialist of America is proud to support the efforts of the student body and is looking forward to collaborating and organizing with them just as effectively in the future
Students and YDSA have made it clear where we stand. We stand for the advancement of student freedom and the self government of students against the CMU administration, for the defense of a free and independent media, and for the defense of student power and civil society.
The CMU chapter of the Young Democratic Socialists of America has shown that we CAN and we MUST fight back against a hostile administration, and that we CAN and we MUST win. Since the beginning of CMU YDSA’s existence, we have fought for the rights and freedoms of the CMU student body, and we will continue to do so. We strive to be a tribune of the people, bringing to light abuses of power and attacks on democracy wherever they occur.
Always remember, WHEN WE FIGHT, WE WIN!
In Solidarity,
Nikoli Weir and Kaylee Mullen
Co-Chairs of CMU YDSA
