[Peace] Re: [Announce] Fwd: [stop] Action Alert *Take Back the Union* and Debrief

[Brian Dolinar]

>From what I understand, the union used to be a public space.
Now it is largely a commercial space.
Supposedly, protests are to take place in the "free speech zone" on the
south patio.
But when there are "free speech zones" - what are the rest of our public
spaces?
I personally support all student initiative to question the order of things.

BD

On 9/18/07, John W. <jbw292002 at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> I'm sorry, and maybe it's not important, but from the description I don't
> understand this at all.  What specifically is this demonstration about?
> Will anyone comprehend why it's taking place?  Take back the union (I assume
> the Illini Union) from WHAT??
>
>
> John Wason
>
>
>
> At 05:51 PM 9/18/2007, Brian Dolinar wrote:
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: Treva Ellison <trevaellison at gmail.com >
> Date: Sep 18, 2007 4:57 PM
> Subject: [stop] Action Alert *Take Back the Union* and Debrief
> To: stop at iresist.org, coalition at iresist.org
>
> Hello all,
>
> This email is an invitation to join in a solidarity action with other
> socially conscious and concerned students, faculty, staff, and
> community members next Wednesday, September 19, 2007 at 12pm on the
> Quad.
>
> The Office of the Chancellor recently launched an initiative called
> "Inclusive Illinois," with the mantra of "One Campus, Many Voices."
> Ironically students, workers, and community members, especially those
> belonging to racialized marginalized groups, have historically been
> systemically alienated from decision making processes.  "One
> Campus,Many Voices," is the latest propaganda initiative designed to
> create
> the illusion of diversity but to maintain the status quo of "business as
> usual."
>
> We can not afford to wait until the next catastrophic event of racism,
> the next big hate crime, or the next painful act of denigration. The
> daily functioning of this institution, in and of itself, is the
> current, ongoing big act of oppression. The time for reactionary
> politics is over. The time for fear is over. The time for action is now.
>
> We have to start the process of decolonizing ourselves and this
> campus. As a first step, come and reclaim the "Student" Union as a
> public space for students, workers and community members. We are
> technically not allowed to have a demonstration in the union, but to
> truly make this an inclusive campus, we have to be willing to test
> boundaries, break the culture of silence and make our voices heard.
>
> Again, Wednesday, September 19 at 12pm:
>
> 1) Meet on the quad at 11:50
> 2) Enter the union with signs and noise makers
> 3) Surround the inner square of the union making a "solidarity wall"
> 4) March, chant, make noise, raise awareness and disrupt 'business as
> usual
> 5) Head over to Swanlund Admin Building
> 6) Back to the Quad
>
> **It is important that everyone involved stick with the group. I will
> make the call to leave. If we are approached by the police, we will
> exit AS A GROUP and stay together to proceed to Swanlund Admin
> Building.
>
> **If someone who works at the union targets an individual and asks
> what you're doing here and why, you should let them know and kindly
> invoke the Chancellor's "One Campus, Many Voices" mantra" "This is the
> campus and we, here are the many voices that need to be heard."
>
> There will also be a debreifing session at 6:30 pm, on the day of the
> action, Wednesday Sept 19, at the Krannert Center Amphitheatre to talk
> about the action, next steps, and to give people the chance to support
> those who will be protesting the NWC performance.
>
>
> --
> Brian Dolinar, Ph.D.
> 303 W. Locust St.
> Urbana, IL 61801
> briandolinar at gmail.com
>
>


-- 
Brian Dolinar, Ph.D.
303 W. Locust St.
Urbana, IL 61801
briandolinar at gmail.com
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