Schools
Occupy Movement Hits MSU Campus Today
Students protesting tuition hikes, student loan debt, and a general squeezing of the students
Students for a Democratic Society will host the Occupation of Montclair State University starting today, "involving tents and grass and police and the whole nine yards."
Mark Ludas, a spokesman for the movement, said "we are protesting tuition hikes, student loan debt, and general squeezing of the students as a result of the irresponsible actions of the 1 percent."
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According to a press release issued late Sunday, Montclair State University (MSU) will be the site of its very own on-campus occupation organized by Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) for all students from April 16 to April 20. The purpose of the Occupy MSU movement is to raise awareness of the problems that students face not just at MSU but also on the state and national level.
The central issue is the rising cost of tuition, which now comprises 51 percent of MSU’s budget. Student debt has reached one trillion dollars worldwide, and the lack of administrative transparency at MSU now necessitates a bold display of student power.
In addition to protesting tuition hikes and other issues, SDS will provide entertainment and informative activities throughout the occupation, including guest speakers (such as Socialist candidate for U.S. Senate Greg Pason), teach-ins, and musical performances.
Food will be provided free of charge from The People’s Kitchen, while an art tent will host a 24-hour safe zone for free expression.
Find out what's happening in Montclairwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Occupy MSU will be accepting donations, whether in the form of funds, supplies, or contributions to events. But the greatest donation a student, faculty- or staff-member, visitor, or anyone else can make, is to stand with Occupy MSU.
Check out the movement here on Facebook.
WHO: The students of Montclair State University hosted by Students for a Democratic Society.
WHAT: The Occupation of Montclair State University
WHEN: Beginning the week of April 16
WHERE: Montclair State University’s Student Center Quad
WHY: To protest rising tuition, student debt, and better funding for higher education
HOW: Setting up tents and tables, speaking out, raising awareness, and challenging the status quo.
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