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.
Last 5 posts by Bob Funk
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