UIC students disrupt convocation, build fight for affordable education
Chicago, IL – Students and youth at the University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC) have hit the campus strong in the first days of classes in anticipation for a hard struggle this fall semester. Targeting University of Illinois President Hogan for his nearly $230,000 raise, members of the campus Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) disrupted convocation on Aug. 22 and sent a clear message to the several thousand incoming freshman, parents and relatives in attendance.
When President Hogan was called to the stage for his opening speech, SDSers raised signs decrying his huge salary increase and demanding an end to tuition and fee hikes. While the UIC administration painted a warm welcome for him, hundreds of students reacted with amazement at SDS’s message. Hogan was clearly worried as he glanced at the protest signs, as he has been the target of criticism from UIC workers, students and concerned faculty.
Kait McIntyre, a student and a member of UIC SDS, said, “It is important to raise awareness amongst new students, as well as their friends and family, that Hogan and the top-heavy administration at UIC do not prioritize education.”
Dozens of campuses, organizations, and SDS chapters across the U.S. are preparing for the largest protest for education rights since March 4. The next national day of action is Oct. 7, where students, workers and faculty will unite to defend higher education and workers rights.