Appleton, WI – On March 28, over 3000 people took to the streets in outrage at the Trump administration. The crowd gathered at Houdini Plaza, a central location downtown.

One speaker from the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, Tanner Ziebell, stated “This is an empire in decline, and we will continue to see crimes like these happen on an increasingly severe scale until it is brought to the ground! We can confidently assume that attacks on the people of this world will continue. We can also hold our heads high, knowing that it's a fight we aren't scared to take up, knowing that's exactly what we're going to do, and that this country will be made ungovernable until we win!”

Daisy Sinclair from Hate Free Outagamie reminded the community that “Hate Free Outagamie is committed to the fight for trans rights, committed to fighting for a trans sanctuary in Outagamie to protect our rights. We are not ceding ground to Trump’s hatred and attacks on any group of people, and will fight to ensure it stays that way!”

Members of the community took to the streets, occupying both lanes of traffic for blocks. As they marched, deafening chants demanding no war, an end to deportations, and fighting back shook the city.

The event was organized by the Outagamie County Democratic Party, Hate Free Outagamie, Appleton Area NOW, Northeast Wisconsin Democratic Socialists of America, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, Wisconsin Resist, and others.

The organizers expressed intention to work together in the future and continue to build a strong front against the Trump administration in the coming years.

#AppletonWI #WI #PeoplesStruggles #Trump #ImmigrantRights

Appleton, WI – On Friday, January 9, over 300 people flooded the streets of downtown Appleton for a vigil and rally to demand justice for Renee Good and an end to ICE raids across the country. This somber event came in response to the murder of Renee Nicole Good at the hands of ICE agent Jonathon Ross, just two days ago.

The event was co-sponsored by Hate Free Outagamie, NE Wisconsin Democratic Socialists of America, Indivisible, ESTHER (Empowerment Solidarity Truth Hope Equity Reform) and more.

ESTHER Fox Valley’s Immigration Task Force spoke about the importance of meeting the moment to protect our communities. In her speech remembering Renee Good, one member addressed the crowd, “May you be the force keeping forward in the quest for justice, safety, and no community violence. May you be the inspiration for all of us to stay strong and not give up. May we continue the fight.”

As a rally ensued, chants from the crowd included “ICE has got to go!” and “No justice! No peace! No ICE in our streets!”

When asked about the motivation for this action, Hate Free Outagamie member Tanner Ziebel stated, “We're not going to sit back and watch as our family members, our friends, our neighbors are being snatched by masked agents.” Ziebell continued, pointing out the coalition of organizations present “for all these folks to come out to coexist, mourn and show solidarity with those all across the country, we are building something powerful here, something able to resist whatever may come to the valley.”

In her closing call to action Hate Free Outagamie member, Rev. Hannah Roberts Villnave spoke of this attack as one of many committed by the ruling class, “We are here tonight to remember not only Renee Nicole Brown, shot in cold blood in the face by a gun of the American government, but for everyone who has paid the price for American greed and white supremacy.”

The large and rapid response to this event was inspiring for many in attendance and the revolutionary fervor could be felt.

Additional actions have been held each night in the region, and another anti-ICE protest will take place in Appleton this Sunday, January 11. We look forward to following the developments of the anti-Trump movement in the Fox Valley in the coming months.

#AppletonWI #WI #ImmigrantRights #ReneeGood

Appleton, WI – On October 18, about 7500 people gathered in Appleton, for this town’s No Kings protest. It was a humid Saturday for northeast Wisconsin’s fall; crowds gathered for a mile along College Avenue, the business district’s main thoroughfare, and filled Houdini Plaza, protesting against Donald Trump, and particularly immigration enforcement and the thuggery of the reactionary state.

Estimates of attendance varied, and as the day went on the number present grew and grew. Several of the organizers remarked that it was the largest protest in the Fox Valley metro area’s history, and for some it was the most people they had ever seen gathered in one place for any occasion in the area.

From the many signs it was obvious the people of the area are fed up with the government failures, atrocities committed by ICE, and an economy that does not function for working families.

Organizations leading the event were Hate Free Outagamie, NOW Appleton, Indivisible, Forward Fox Valley, and the Democratic Party of Outagamie County. Mary Bogen, chair of Hate Free Outagamie said, “The establishment has failed us. It's up to the community to save each other and fight for a better world. That's not a protest; that's a promise we make to each other.”

The thousands who attended were in high spirits. They were of many age groups, from high school students to seniors and all in between. Several dozen people wore inflatable Halloween costumes, recalling the Portland, Oregon protestor who went viral on social media after being pepper sprayed wearing such a costume.

Protests in towns large and small have ramped up in frequency and intensity in the last year. Very clearly the masses are looking for a change and are waking up to the power they have when they work as a united collective.

#AppletonWI #WI #PeoplesStruggles #ImmigrantRights #Trump

Appleton, WI – Over 75 community members gathered at Houdini Plaza on Saturday, October 4, for a protest marking two years of genocide in Gaza.

The action was hosted by Green Bay Anti-War Committee, Hate Free Outagamie, Green Bay Students for a Democratic Society, and Freedom Road Socialist Organization, in response to a nationwide call to action from the Anti-War Action Network.

Hate Free Outagamie’s speaker Mitch Erickson told the crowd, “Our presence here, on this grim anniversary, proves one thing: the goal of genocide and total erasure has failed, and they will continue to fail! Palestine still lives, the resistance still breathes, here, there, and everywhere!”

As people drove by, showing support by honking and waving, the UW-Green Bay SDS speaker remarked, “The Palestinian people's struggle has lit the world ablaze with a revolutionary spirit.”

After these speeches, protesters lined the sidewalks with Palestinian flags and signs while chanting for over an hour. Tanner Ziebell, of FRSO stated, “The clock is ticking for these entities, this system is dying! And as we get organized, we are increasingly capable of building something seriously revolutionary in this country, of driving the final dagger into the core of this sinister machine. The people will make these oppressive countries ungovernable, not only in Palestine, but across the entire world, including right here in the heart of it all!”

Ziebell continued, “Aid boats, strikes, protests all over the globe – working people of the world see themselves in Palestinian liberation! We recognize that the chains binding their freedom are the same ones that bind us here, and in all countries under capitalist rule.”

All of the organizations participating in this event have stood in solidarity for Palestine over the past two years. They have co-hosted events with each other including a Nakba day march, a vigil in October 2024, banner drops, and many other actions.

#AppletonWI #WI #AntiWarMovement #Palestine #GreenBayAWC #HateFreeOutagamie #SDS #AWAN

Appleton, WI – On September 14, several dozen people gathered at Appleton’s Houdini Plaza in a demonstration denouncing Trump, ICE and the invasion of our cities, including the deployment of the military in Los Angeles, the National Guard in Washington DC, and the proposed deployment of the national guard to Chicago.

The protest was organized by Hate Free Outagamie, Diverse and Resilient, and the Appleton chapter of the National Organization of Women.

Mary Bogan of Hate Free Outagamie told the crowd, “You don’t need to be a certain type of person to fight for justice. You don’t need to be queer to fight for queer rights. You don’t need to be an immigrant to fight ICE. You don’t need to be Palestinian to demand freedom for Palestine. Our struggles are intersecting. Our liberation is bound together.”

Protest organizer Brent Lantagne said, “This past Sunday, community members and organizers alike gathered to denounce the Trump regime’s cruel and inhumane actions and stand in solidarity with Chicago. We will not be silent and we will not back down.”

The demonstrators received a positive reception from passing drivers, who honked their horns, waved and gave thumbs-up. Some attendees had stated they were in town from other states, and they joined the protest because they are angry about the situation.

Activism that organizes outcry into a single voice like this is effective; Trump has announced that he would not be deploying the National Guard to Chicago. Trump and his cronies are on the back foot not nine months into his second term, faced with the united opposition of the people.

#AppletonWI #WI #PeoplesStruggles #InJusticeSystem #NationalGuard #Trump

Appleton WI – On July 26, in a protest against ICE and the Trump administration, simultaneous banner drops took place across northeast Wisconsin, including several locations in Appleton, as well as Green Bay, Neenah, Oshkosh and Fond du Lac.

The coalition organizing the event included, Hate Free Outagamie, the Appleton Area chapter of the National Organization for Women, Fond du Lac Indivisible, Indivisible Winnebago, Indivisible Brown County, Forward Fox Valley, Peaceful Patriots and many community members.

In Appleton, activists pushed plastic drinking cups into the chain link fence on a pedestrian bridge over Highway 41 near Fox Valley Technical College, spelling out “Deport ICE”. Within minutes of the cups going up, local police arrived to take the cups down. Subsequent action that day in Appleton involved a number of people holding banners displaying anti-ICE and pro-immigrant rights slogans on a different pedestrian walkway, gaining a strong positive response from drivers on the highway below.

Action organizer Brent Lantagne stated, “This past Saturday we teamed up with local organizers to sprawl out and cover the highway overpasses in our communities. We all gathered with a common goal: to show the most vulnerable members of our community that we stand with them and are committed to the true American Dream. An America where we all are equal and protected under the law, not just the lucky few.”

“From all the honking, It makes me feel very hopeful for the Valley. It was worth all the noise!” said organizer Nicole Kappell.

ICE activity has heightened in the Fox Valley in recent months. In May the sheriff departments of Outagamie, Brown, Fond du Lac and Winnebago counties signed memorandums of agreement with immigration enforcement. As of July, 13 counties in Wisconsin have such agreements between their sheriff’s departments and ICE.

However, as events in the Fox Valley this past week show, there is a widening gap between official support for ICE and the public’s opposition to its presence in their communities – a gap which is a measure of the discontent of the people with the current ruling class.

#AppletonWI #WI #ImmigrantRights

Appleton WI – On Friday, June 27, 100 community members gathered at Houdini Plaza in bustling downtown Appleton for Hate Free Outagamie’s rally to commemorate the 56th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising.

This action, cosponsored by Diverse and Resilient, the Green Bay Anti-War Committee and Freedom Road Socialist Organization, focused on the significance of the uprising, and the lessons it teaches us about the present moment.

As the crowd gathered, chants of “Deny existence, expect resistance!” echoed through town as attendees toured organization tables, accessing literature and resources.

Mary Bogen, chair of Hate Free Outagamie, spoke of the LGBTQ movement in Wisconsin. She cited the Black Nite uprising of 1961, the historical occupations of the capitol building in Madison and the development of safe spaces throughout the Fox Valley area. Bogen told the crowd, “This state was called ‘the gay rights state’ not because of politicians, but because we fought for it.” Bogen ended her address by saying, “When we realize Hate Free Outagamie isn't just a name, it’s a demand. That’s Stonewall.”

Lana Ksionek, chair of the Green Bay Anti-War Committee, spoke next. Ksionek spoke of Sylvia Rivera’s experience in New York, Rivera’s gender expression was illegal, and she was unhoused. Ksionek then spoke on her experience as a trans person and the connection to Stonewall, stating “while these are precarious times, I’m not getting arrested for dressing femme, I have a car and a legal job. This is not a ‘be grateful for what you have’ narrative, the point is our material conditions are much better than 1969, Slyvia walked so we could run.”

This was the first of its kind event in the Fox Valley and as the movement continues to grow amidst the second Trump presidency, we are sure we will see more commemorations to come.

#AppletonWI #WI #LGBTQ #Pride #HateFreeOutagamie #AWCGB

Appleton, WI – Hundreds of workers, queer activists and community members flooded Houdini Plaza in Appleton, Wisconsin, on May 1, International Workers Day, kicking off a march that would face police repression before triumphantly returning to cheers of public support.

The action, organized by Hate Free Outagamie, Appleton Area NOW, Fox Valley Indivisible, ESTHER Fox Valley and other grassroots groups, sent an unmistakable message, that their solidarity is stronger than their oppression.

Opening call to action: “Defend your neighbors!”

Rev. Hannah Roberts Villnave of Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship opened the rally with a fiery challenge, stating, “Loving your neighbor means getting in the way of deportations, standing between trans folks and their attackers. They'll have to go through us first!” as the crowd responded with roars of approval.

Labor's fighting legacy

Jay Gibbs of UFCW Local 1473 grounded the day in Wisconsin's radical labor history, referring to events from the Bay View Massacre to current union drives. “May Day was born from blood spilled for the eight-hour day,” Gibbs said, “When we fight for the worker next to us, we fight for every worker.”

Highlighting the militant labor movement’s deep roots in Wisconsin, Gibbs slammed bosses and politicians who “prioritize profits over people” and cynically divide workers by race, gender or identity.

“Solidarity is how we win,” Gibbs declared, “When we fight for the worker next to us, we fight for every worker.”

Queer and worker solidarity

Mary Bogen, chair of Hate Free Outagamie, spoke on the fundamental link between the labor movement and the fight for queer liberation. They cited the examples of the armed lesbians who defended auto workers from strikebreakers in the 1930s, as well as the queer activists who marched with British miners who resisted Thatcher in the 1980s.

As the Trump administration escalates its attacks on trans healthcare and educators, Bogen castigated the Outagamie County Board for its continued opposition to a Trans Sanctuary ordinance, flying in the face of the will of the people embodied in the nearly 2000 petition signatures from workers, union members and allies.

“Their silence abandons trans workers, youth and families,” Bogen said, “But we say: Not here. Not ever. When one of us is denied safety, when one of us is stripped of healthcare, when one of us is forced into the shadows; every worker is weaker for it.”

Police repression meets people's power

As the march arrived at the Outagamie County courthouse from Houdini, it was greeted by almost a dozen Appleton Police Department squad cars and officers. A wall of squad cars and officers blocked the second leg of the march from returning to Houdini plaza from the courthouse. Officer William Berens, who has a history of targeting the movement, particularly women and non-binary people shoved a security team member multiple times.

When chants of “Let us march!” were ignored, the crowd pivoted to sidewalk protest, drawing honks and cheers from passing drivers. “APD showed their true role as enforcers for the powerful,” said Hate Free Outagamie Co-chair Tanner Ziebell, “But we showed our power; disciplined, united and unstoppable.”

This marks at least the second time Officer Berens has physically harassed protest marshals, the first time being at a Palestine march, now at May Day. APD's pattern is clear. But Appleton’s activists will keep marching, organizing, and fighting back. “They tried to stop us, but we marched anyway,” said UFCW organizer and HFO member Jay Gibbs, “That's the spirit of May Day!”

#AppletonWI #WI #Labor #LGBTQ #ImmigrantRights #Trans #UFCW

Appleton WI – On Saturday April 5, 2500 protesters convened at Houdini Plaza as part of the national “Hands Off” day of action. The demonstration spread throughout downtown Appleton, encompassing the sidewalks of several whole city blocks.

This event comes after the one-sided defeat of Brad Schimel in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election. Schimel campaigned on banning abortion, stripping union rights and attacking immigrants, and his loss came despite the millions of dollars that Elon Musk personally poured into the campaign. Schimel’s loss is a clear indication that the people are against Elon Musk, Donald Trump and the reactionary Republican agenda expanding in Wisconsin.

The demonstration began with a short rally at the center of Houdini Plaza, which was overflowing with protesters. Hate Free Outagamie member Tanner Ziebell addressed the crowd, stating, “It is not just Trump who got us in this position, it’s a system which allows an administration like this to get into power, where establishment politicians’ best strategy to resist is holding up signs on television and doubling down on the status quo. This is not a system that serves the interests of the people.”

Ziebell continued, “I won’t sugarcoat it, the road is going to be a long one, but we are more than capable of paving it. Trump and this system are not omnipotent, they can be defeated!”

Appleton Area National Organization of Women President Irene Strohbeen then addressed the crowd, stating, “While we have won the battle in our supreme court, the war is still ahead of us!” Concluding her powerful address amidst loud cheers, Strohbeen chanted, “Hands off our healthcare! Hands off our Jobs! Hands off our education! See you on College Ave!”

Protesters then dispersed outwards along the sidewalks stretching over many city blocks. Downtown Appleton became a symphony of chants, cheers and honks from passing cars. From cardboard Tesla car cutouts, to signs reading “Fight trump” and “Down with the rich,” a powerful message was displayed all throughout Appleton.

When asked about why they were in attendance, Appleton SDS member Julie Kelly said, “As much as the direction to turn seems muddled, I came to support the more radical direction this movement is headed in, we can’t go back to the status quo, we must fight for something new.”

The April 5 protest was cosponsored by many organizations, including Appleton Area National Organization of Women, Hate Free Outagamie, 50501, Democratic Socialists of America, Forward Fox Valley, and Appleton Students for a Democratic Society.

This historic day of national actions found a strong presence in the Fox Valley. It is clear that with each executive order, each attack on the people, the resistance to Trump only grows. From hundreds against Musk in Green Bay last week, to hundreds protesting for the postal workers, to thousands in the street today, the movement in the Fox Valley seems to only grow larger and larger.

#AppletonWI #WI #PeoplesStruggles #HateFreeOutagamie #NOW #FFV #SDS #50501 #DSA #Trump

Appleton, WI – In the biting cold of a Wisconsin evening, over 100 community members gathered on November 20 at Houdini Plaza with cider and a shared revolutionary spirit to keep them warm. As trans and gender fluid voices rang out, their message echoed through Outagamie county with unmistakable clarity: “Trans sanctuary now! We won’t back down!”

This year's rally and vigil commemorated the 25th anniversary of the first Trans Day of Remembrance. It also marked a pivotal moment in the fight against transphobia. Organized by Hate Free Outagamie, the event launched a bold campaign to designate Outagamie County as a trans sanctuary.

Following in the footsteps of Milwaukee and Dane Counties, where protections against healthcare discrimination and directives to deprioritize enforcement of anti-trans laws were already enacted, this grassroots effort aims to make Outagamie a beacon of safety and resilience for the trans community.

Lana Ksionek, co-chair of Green Bay Anti War Committee spoke to the crowd, “We need to accept that the current society and government is not meant for us.” She declared, “We need to learn how to organize so we can build an alternative that includes us.”

Across the country, reactionary lawmakers, particularly in Republican-ruled states are pushing legislation designed to isolate the trans community, sow fear and erode people’s fundamental right to exist. While neighboring states Minnesota and Illinois passed protective laws for their trans residents, Wisconsin remains behind. Wisconsin is a potential testing ground for future anti-trans laws in the Midwest.

Speaking in front of a banner reading, “Trans sanctuary now! Defend your neighbors!” Danielle Bruce, of Appleton Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), said, “Our power is in numbers and the more of us that know the true history and continue to fight for collective liberation, the less they can oppress, repress, and suppress us all.” They reminded the crowd, “This is a vigil, so let’s honor those who have come before us and look forward to a better world for us all.”

The fight for a trans sanctuary will lay the foundation for a broader movement against reactionary attacks in the Fox Valley. By addressing urgent needs like protections against discrimination in healthcare, housing, employment and other key areas of struggle for survival, the people of Outagamie County can create a model of solidarity and resilience. It demonstrates that when a community comes together, it can challenge systemic injustice and begin to build a future where oppression has no place, and everybody is safe and supported.

Hate Free Outagamie called on every member of the community to act. As support grows around their petition, much more will come from this struggle in Outagamie county.

#AppletonWI #LGBTQ #HateFreeOutagamie #GBAWC #SDS

Appleton, WI – On June 23, a local office for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin was the focus of a demonstration against the ongoing genocide in Palestine. Activists covered the county Democrats’ office with the names of hundreds of Palestinian martyrs.

While these names posted on the office are only a small fraction of the tens of thousands killed, entire families were among the martyrs highlighted. The most recent death toll from the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs was over 37,000 deaths and over 10,000 missing. Given the dire conditions on the ground, however, many estimate the total number of casualties is significantly higher.

Amongst the names scattered across the office windows, additional statements were posted, including “Gaza must have food and water, Democrats must stop the slaughter,” and “Genocide Joe is a war criminal.” Gazans are facing critical levels of food insecurity, with many facing imminent risk of starvation. With such little aid getting into Gaza, Palestinians are living on only 200 calories per day.

The demonstration was organized by Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO), Hate Free Outagamie (HFO) and other community members.

Another message highlighted “No Pride in Genocide” calling out pink-washing, a strategy used to justify the ongoing genocide in Palestine citing a lack of queer rights. This message was intentionally placed over the pride flag hanging in the office and was especially relevant, as the community’s Pride celebration was held this weekend.

The community’s Pride organizers were directly called out by advocates just days before the event after they accepted a donation from Oshkosh Corporation. Oshkosh Corporation is the parent company of Oshkosh Defense, who is directly producing military vehicles for Israel to use in the ongoing genocide in Gaza. After receiving significant backlash, Pride organizers agreed to return the $500 donation to Oshkosh Corporation. In response, FRSO, HFO and other area anti-war activists raised over $1000 to replace the donation, showing the incredible power of community organizing.

FRSO and HFO are both members of the Wisconsin Coalition for Justice in Palestine as well as the Coalition to March on the RNC. The Wisconsin Coalition for Justice in Palestine has been active in protesting the Wisconsin Democrats state convention, supporting the university encampments, and holding various marches such as Rafah is a Red Line and commemorating Nakba Day.

#AppletonWI #FRSO #HFO #WisconsinCoalitionforJusticeinPalestine #DemocraticParty

Appleton, WI – After a massive rally and march throughout downtown Appleton on May 15 in commemoration of Nakba Day, the very next day, the student movement at Lawrence University took an action unseen on campus in decades.

Appleton Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), with the support of Lawrence University Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA), staged a walkout and rally on May 16 to support their divestment campaign. Dozens of students joined them at the front of Main Hall. Energy was high, and, as students chanted, the energy only grew.

Theresa O’Donnell, a member of SDS, addressed the risks students must take, stating, “I have every intention on graduating June 9, but let me be clear that I have no reservations about jeopardizing a piece of paper to stand with the people of Palestine and a chance at the possibility of a livable future for all people on earth. The status and recognition from a piece of paper from a settler colonial institution that continues to ignore and thus enable the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people means little to me.”

After hearing from speakers, it was announced that students would be marching to the Warch Campus Center, bringing their demands for disclosure and divestment right before the board of trustees, whose investment committee was meeting at the time.

Students marched right to the doors of the meeting, chanting “Disclose! Divest! We will not stop, we will not rest!” and “Meet with us!” Representatives of SDS offered to send four students inside their meeting to present their demands, and their offer was dismissed by a number of Lawrence administrators. However, the students were not deterred by this, and they continued to chant right up until the board of trustees ended their meeting. The trustees left by walking right through the crowd, heads bowed and surrounded by chants from the students.

After this rally, SDS leadership decided that they should still attend the meeting with the chair of investments. 25 minutes before the meeting, administration changed the location from a building at the center of campus to a building half a mile away. The strength of the students' action the previous day is telling. Despite further efforts to bar students from sitting in on this meeting, SDS through sheer force of will made it happen.

This meeting was not approached in good faith by any member of the administration and board of trustees who attended. Students were smirked at, laughed at and interrupted many times. No commitments were made to SDS members, and, after the meeting, it was decided by the students that further escalation on campus was necessary.

On Monday, May 21, the campus saw a disgraceful response from the administration. LU administrators sent out an email detailing their response to these student actions. Among its many outlandish claims was an accusation that SDS and YDSA violated the Disruptive Conduct and Hate Speech Policy. The email also announced a change to the protest policy, which would severely restrict the ability of students to demonstrate. Administration also claimed that the decision to change the protest policy was made with input from the student government, but this lie was exposed mess than an hour later by an email from the president of the student government condemning the changes.

Appleton SDS Co-chair Adam Fleischer described the policy as a “clear illustration of how the administration at this university is out of touch with its students and faculty.” He continued, stating that “telling students at a so-called institution of higher education that they must demonstrate ‘with civility and in conformity’ is an insult to their freedoms and critical thinking skills.”

The following day, on May 22, SDS and YDSA held a rally for divestment and a retraction of the new protest policy. Over 100 students and a dozen faculty gathered. Two police officers also arrived, seeking information from protesters. Lawrence University is a police-free campus, so when students saw the cops, their disgust with administration grew.

SDS member Bailey Nez began her speech in Diné Bizaad, the Navajo language. Later in her speech, she said, “I’m speaking today because I see the genocide in Palestine occurring not as some foreign conflict, as people claim in order to subdue us. I see my cheiis and masanis [grandfather and grandmother] in those faces in Gaza, my sisters and brothers in these children. The same horrific tactics used to try to exterminate my people are being done to the Palestinian people. It is sickening.”

At the end of the rally, Patrick Sweeney, co-chair of SDS, asked the crowd “Who wants to march?” The crowd responded affirmatively and marched right to Hamar House, the contracted residence of President Laurie Carter. As the crowd gathered, Sweeney spoke about the martyrs of Palestine and the resolve of the Palestinians. Then, when speaking to the emotional devastation brought upon parents and children, he said, “I will never forgive anyone who dismisses this, I will never forgive anyone who enables this, I will never forgive anyone who normalizes this, I will never forgive anyone who funds this.” In that passion, students took to staging a die-in inside the back lawn of Hamar House.

As students read the names of thousands of martyrs, it became clear that students did not want to leave. What began as a die-in soon turned into a full-blown occupation, and as students continued to rally and read the names of martyrs, students set up an impromptu encampment. As supplies came in and the message spread that students occupied the president's back lawn, students raised the Palestinian flag on her flagpole.

The next day, head of campus safety and ex-cop Jeff Miller attempted to intimidate students, claiming they were trespassing and would receive punishment; students were undeterred and continued their occupation. Hours later, Miller returned with a message from administration: if students do not leave, the police will be called. After receiving this warning, students remained steadfast in their occupation and put out a call for community support.

As dozens of students and faculty returned to the lawn, students began to chant “We aren’t leaving” and more students joined the occupation. Students remained adamant, sitting down to do their homework, eat lunch and engage in song and chants. Miller would announce threats to students' academic and legal standing several more times, but students continued with a chant of “Are we leaving? No!”

Right before 6 p.m., a member of Lawrence administration, Kenny Yarbrough, entered the encampment and requested to speak with SDS leadership. Yarbrough questioned students on their unwillingness to hear the administration's “promises,” and politely requested that protesters move the encampment to Main Hall Green due to concerns for our “safety.” This was rejected unanimously. The threat of arrests on a police-free campus brought about tremendous efforts from supportive Lawrence Univeersity faculty to negotiate with administration on behalf of their students.

Soon enough, a deal was brokered where students would meet with President Carter and two select cabinet members the next day, under the moderation of five faculty of students’ choosing. Administration agreed to the conditions set out by the students, including that no police would be called on protesters and that each participant in the occupation would receive no academic sanctions. As a result, SDS and YDSA ended their brief encampment.

Stay tuned to Fight Back! for additional coverage of the struggle for divestment from genocide at Lawrence University.

#AppletonWI #WI #AntiWarMovement #Palestine #StudentMovement #SDS #YDSA

On May 15, local activists, organizations, students, including hundreds of community members hosted a major rally and march in downtown Appleton, Wisconsin to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba. Halfway through the march, in front of the Chapel on Lawrence University property, several police vehicles arrived and began harassing the vehicle marshals who were protecting the rear of the march. Vice President of Student Life Chris Clarke, watched from right across the street. Among the people involved, one identifiable student was also threatened by police and later received a citation by mail for loitering.

While our security deescalated the situation in that instance, at the end of the march police struck again, pulling over all vehicle marshals. One marshal received a warning, the other a traffic citation, but one car was deliberately isolated from the rest. The Appleton Police Department singled out this car because the driver was a local member of FRSO. APD called in several cars and officers and blocked off a street to surround, threaten and harass her. One cop in particular, Officer William Berens, yelled at her, insulted her, and repeatedly reached for his gun to try to intimidate her into admitting guilt to a crime so he could arrest her. We know this was targeted – the police themselves repeatedly brought up our organization in attempts to get her to admit responsibility for all aspects of the protest. APD processed warnings and citations for the other vehicle marshals and those squads left to join the ongoing harassment of our comrade. She was kept in the street for over an hour as more squad cars and police officers continued to arrive to harass and intimidate her.

While this was happening, the disabled passenger in her car had a medical emergency. When our comrade tried to assist her passenger, Berens once again jumped to action, grabbing at his gun, screaming at her, and threatening her. Community members and activists filmed this whole interaction, and every request to restrain Officer Berens was ignored. Eventually Berens got enough fun out of verbally abusing and physically threatening the activists, and finally issued two ridiculous traffic citations to our comrade.

It must be noted that this action, and their disproportionate response by the Appleton Police Department, took place within the context of an ongoing, U.S.-funded and directed genocide in Palestine. The efforts of our comrades and the other local organizers to contribute to the reignited global movement for the liberation of Palestine are what drew out the aggression of the police, a situation that has become commonplace across the U.S. as the state seeks to crack down on the Palestine solidarity movement. Our organization has a long history of organizing within this movement, and a wealth of experience in fighting the political repression that comes along with it.

Freedom Road Socialist Organization condemns the unhinged behavior of Officer Berens, and the repression by the Appleton Police Department. Intimidation, threats and male chauvinism are common acts from those who serve the enemy. We view these actions by the APD as a local reflection of the state backlash to the widespread popular support for a free Palestine. Protesting a genocide is the correct thing to do and we’re proud of our members and community allies who took it to the streets. We are leading a fundraising campaign to pay off the ridiculous targeted traffic citations that were given to the activists trying to keep a peaceful march safe from the danger of police and reactionaries alike.

Protesting is not a crime! Free, free Palestine!

#AppletonWI #WI #AntiWarMovement #International #MiddleEast #Palestine #StudentMovement #SDS #FRSO #FRSOWI #Statement

Appleton, WI – On May 15, over 100 people met at Houdini Plaza in Appleton to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the Nakba ethnic cleansing during which over 750,000 Palestinians were forcefully expelled from their homes.

The event was organized by Appleton Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), along with many other Lawrence University student groups such as YDSA (Young Democratic Socialists of America), and GreenFire. Also participating were organizations from throughout the Fox Valley, including the Wisconsin Coalition for Justice in Palestine, the Green Bay Anti-war Committee, UW Green Bay SDS, and Freedom Road Socialist Organization.

FRSO member Tanner Ziebell ended the rally with a call to action, stating, “Nobody’s free until all of us are free. There exists no issue in the world unaffected by U.S. imperialism, and it is time for us to realize that fact and do something about it!” After this, the group then took to the streets of Appleton to march.

They marched through downtown and a section of Lawrence University until they reached Lawrence’s Main Hall. Once at Main Hall, the group held another rally where members of Appleton SDS spoke and called attention to their ongoing divestment campaign, and their planned walkout the next day.

Despite police interference and vague, thinly-veiled threats, the group marched back to Houdini Plaza undeterred. Amped up from the previous two rallies, the group chanted the entire walk.

This rally, like the others, received broad community support. SDS and the other Lawrence University student organizations have more planned to achieve their divestment goals before the school year is done.

#AppletonWI #Palestine #SDS

Appleton, WI – On Thursday, April 18, dozens of students gathered at the main hall of the university in support of Appleton Students for a Democratic Society’s (SDS) divestment campaign. This rally came days after Iran struck back against Israel, who two weeks ago, bombed an Iranian consulate in a brazen disregard of international law.

This short but impactful rally saw speakers from several student organizations, and group recital of the classic worker anthem Which Side Are You On. Main hall was once again full of Palestinian flags and students next to the emcee held a banner reading ,“No money in genocide, no money in fossil fuels, financial transparency now.”

Co-chair of Appleton SDS Patrick Sweeney began the rally with a statement on their demands for targeted divestment from weapons and tech manufacturers that contract with and profit off of Palestinian genocide, comprehensive divestment from the fossil fuel industry, the establishment of a code of ethics for moral future investment, and the creation of an accessible financial accountability process.

“We demand material change, no performative statements or pledges, no new classes from national chauvinist professors who refrain from calling the Nakba an ethnic cleansing,” said Sweeney.

Since the beginning of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, and the latest barrage of genocidal Israeli war crimes, the Lawrence University administration had done absolutely nothing to acknowledge this, let alone act against this.

#AppletonWI #WI #StudentMovement #SDS #AntiWarMovement #International #MiddleEast #Palestine

Appleton, WI – On the evening of January 27, a group of protesters gathered near Houdini Plaza to further demonstrate their solidarity with the Palestinian resistance against Israeli apartheid.

A large banner that displayed “Long live the popular Palestinian resistance” was held up by members of the group, along with a sign demanding to “End U.S. support for genocide” amid various other pro-Palestinian signs and flags.

A powerful speaker system connected to a microphone amplified the protesters' chants, which could be heard for blocks. Chants included, “End detention, stop the crimes, Israel out of Palestine!” and “Not another nickel, not another dime, no more money for Israel's crimes!”

This action, which lasted hours, was put on thanks to the efforts of the Appleton branch of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), members of Freedom Road Socialist Organization, Green Bay Anti-War Committee, and Hate Free Outagamie, along with members in the community at large.

Despite a few lost Zionist hecklers who were immediately drowned out, overwhelmingly the group was met with supportive honks, thumbs up, and cheers from those passing by. Support for Palestinian liberation around the world is widespread, and is continuing to grow, even in smaller Wisconsin communities like Appleton.

#AppletonWI #AntiWarMovement #International #Palestine #StudentMovement #SDS

Appleton, WI – On January 5, the Green Bay joined the week of action for Palestine, by staging a banner drop over Interstate 41 during rush-hour traffic. Their banners displayed messages like “Victory to the popular Palestinian resistance” and “End U.S. aid to Israel” alongside many Palestinian flags flying proudly.

The Green Bay Anti-War Committee and Appleton Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), alongside members of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization and the broader community put on the action.

“’Victory to the popular Palestinian resistance’ has been a statement of solidarity across the U.S. for years,” said Patrick Sweeney of Appleton SDS. “The Palestinian people support the resistance and have been insistent to remain on the land the resistance is bravely defending, even amidst continued U.S./Israeli bombing. We can’t forget this as we work to support Palestinian liberation.”

This action took place as the number of Palestinians killed by the U.S./Israel war machine passes 30,000. Unprecedented mass protests and demonstrations in support of Palestine have continued throughout the world, and a new year means a new resolve among those who continue to fight back. There has been increasing pro-Palestinian presence across Wisconsin’s Fox Valley following the brave Palestinian offensive of Al-Aqsa flood, and they will continue to fight until Palestine is free, from the river to the sea.

#AppletonWI #International #Palestine #SDS #GBAWC #FRSO

Appleton, WI – On the evening of Friday, December 15, the community held a vigil for the Palestinian martyrs of the ongoing genocide. The event came in the wake of the grim milestone of over 19,000 Palestinians murdered by the U.S.-funded and armed Israeli regime since October 7.

Local organizers and faith leaders gave speeches, led prayers, and read poems to over 50 community members in Appleton’s City Park. The speakers stood in front of an elegant banner that proclaimed “Honor the martyrs. Victory to Palestine.”

The Green Bay Anti-War Committee, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, and Oshkosh Student Socialist Association organized the vigil.

FRSO’s Mary Blackburn began by calling on everyone to take motivation from the valiant resistance of the Palestinian liberation movement, as well as from the people all over the world mobilizing for a free Palestine.

Green Bay activist and Palestinian American Reema Abusalma held a moment of silence before asking those present to take extra time to appreciate their loved ones and relative security, but also to use their position to continue public advocacy for Palestine and to participate in the boycott, divest and sanction movement. A member of the nearby mosque led the crowd in prayer, first in Arabic, then English, before a Palestinian community member read a moving poem.

The somber occasion began with a police officer confronting the organizers, who stood firm, and the officer left the scene. Attendees lit their candles and carried on with no further interruptions.

#AppletonWI #International #Palestine #AntiWar #GBAWC #FRSO

Appleton, WI – Defying the notion that small towns in Wisconsin are backward, 300 enthusiastic community members gathered in Houdini Plaza on November 19 to show their support for the Palestinian resistance in the fight for liberation against the Zionist occupiers.

A crowd spanning all ages, nationalities and creeds chanted, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!” and waved Palestinian flags before community members told their stories about family members who are struggling to survive the Israeli onslaught on Gaza, which has killed over 11,000 people, mostly children.

Reema Abus, a Palestinian student, addressed the crowd, saying, “Over 40 families – entire bloodlines – have been exterminated by the Israelis. They have no more voices, and so I beg you to use your voices. If we do not stand together, and use our voices as one, the Palestinian people will never be free!”

The crowd then marched down College Avenue to Lawrence University, where student speakers came out to give speeches in support of the crowd.

Standing on the chapel steps, Daniel Castillo of the Green Bay Anti-war Committee said, “Our opposition to this genocide has to go beyond just words. We need to be confident in our actions! We can stop them – there are more people who do not support genocide than those who do.”

On the way back, a few hecklers tried to annoy the marchers, but were totally drowned out by chants. Even vehicle horns and engines couldn’t dampen their spirits, as the children in the march took the initiative to make their voices heard despite what a few irritated Zionists tried to say.

Pedestrians passing by the march saw the keffiyehs and flags and rushed to join in, expressing relief and gratitude that the Appleton community came out in such impressive numbers. Police vehicles approaching the march even turned around and drove the other way, unwilling to confront the huge crowd.

The atmosphere of the people in Houdini Plaza was enthusiastic and grateful even until dark. People and families stayed long after the event to connect with organizers and other attendees.

Many of the organizations that put this event on will be traveling to Madison on December 9 as a part of a broader statewide mobilization to the state capitol for Palestine.

#AppletonWI #International #Palestine

Appleton, WI – In a bold move to hold elected officials accountable, two community members in Appleton infiltrated a private fundraiser for U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, November 17, demanding answers about her stance on Israel's actions against the Palestinian people. The incident unfolded as the activists confronted Baldwin on her consistent votes and rhetoric for financial support of Israel amid continued human rights violations.

The community members, undeterred by the exclusive nature of the event, seized the opportunity to question the senator about the ongoing genocide in the Middle East. Their concerns centered around the apartheid state that the Zionist Israeli government operates, as well as the genocide against the Palestinian people.

However, their attempts to engage Senator Baldwin were met with resistance, as security forcibly removed them from the premises. Shockingly, one activist, Lawrence University student and leader with Appleton Students for a Democratic Society Audari Tamayo, faced a physical attack from both an Appleton alderperson named Kristin Alfheim and their partner. Tamayo’s assault was caught on camera as he attempted to read a prepared statement to Senator Baldwin.

A group of people were gathered outside the venue, wielding signs and chanting slogans in solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Their demonstration aimed to draw attention to the senator's financial backing of Israel and the impact of such policies on innocent lives.

Law enforcement intervened, asking the protesters to disperse, but not before their message resonated with onlookers and event attendees. The incident sheds light on the challenges activists face when trying to hold elected officials accountable for their policy positions.

The confrontation at Senator Baldwin's fundraiser was not the first such instance of its kind. In recent weeks, activists across the state have sought to address Baldwin’s support for genocide and occupation wherever she crops up on the campaign trail. The response, or lack thereof, from Baldwin and other elected officials who’ve been confronted in the same way underscores the growing importance of grassroots activism in challenging political decisions that may have far-reaching consequences. As discussions around foreign policy and human rights intensify, community members are increasingly leveraging opportunities to directly address those in power, demanding transparency and accountability.

#AppletonWI #FreePalestine #TammyBaldwin