University of Montana (threatens) to suspend students

by Bob Funk on April 28, 2008

in Education, Labor, Social Issues

Today Matt Singer, over at Left in the West, posted about the possible suspension of a group of U of M students who participated in a sit-in, disrupting President Dennison’s day. Honestly, I think this news does more to help their cause than hurt it.

When I first heard about the U of M sit-in, I felt fairly apathetic about the situation: I’m an advocate of the ability to use civil disobedience, but I tend to think that it often serves as a method to quickly overshadow your cause with unnecessary controversy. A certain demographic, that once might have supported your efforts, now sees you as “radicals” (as ridiculous as that may be) and automatically opposes your “hippie” efforts.

Obviously, I disagree with people opposing a movement solely because its advocates used alternative methods, but, at the same time, I recognize its pitfalls.

However, I think the recent news from the Dean of Students, about a possible suspension, helps the United Students Against Sweatshops (USAS). The U of M administration looks incredibly reactionary at this point; it’s as if their trying to compensate for an embarrassing situation by pickin’ on the little guy. I think this could give the USAS of the U of M a boost in sympathetic supporters. That is, as long as the USAS students at U of M continue to keep a cool head and frame the administration as the “radical” faction.

I’d also ask all U of M students to question their administration - you don’t even have to support fair labor laws to care about having an overly heavy handed administration. However, no decision has been handed down, yet. If the U of M decides NOT to suspend these students, then fine - they went through the appropriate channels to come to an appropriate decision. If the U of M DOES decide to suspend these students, then a very serious discourse (about having such an aggressive administration that is limiting expression, thought, and engagement in a place where they have been the most valued of resources, a university) is called for.

BUT, no decision has been reached (and my suggestions are purely hypothetical, at this point). Until then, I would urge people to ask the U of M administration to be reasonable. By visiting the USAS website, you can access a multitude of methods to reach President Dennision.

Also, Matt Singer has provided copies of the letters (first letter; second letter) sent out to the U of M students involved in the sit-in.

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