UNF SDS wins campaign demands
Jacksonville, FL – On February 19 the University of North Florida Students for a Democratic Society (UNF SDS) held a rally speaking out against Trump’s Declaration of a National Emergency to fund his racist, xenophobic border wall. About 30 students attended despite the chilly rain. Several speakers addressed the protesters about the importance of organizing on campus and opposing Trump's backwards policies.
After the speeches, students from UNF SDS marched across campus to the university president’s office and occupied it until the administration met with SDS to discuss the students' demands. SDS demanded that the administration make UNF a sanctuary campus, refuse to comply with ICE, and increase resources for undocumented students. SDS also demanded that the administration publicly post a letter from the university reaffirming UNF’s commitment to supporting undocumented students. “We met with the administration and asked them to stand with undocumented students on campus,” said Sharif Hall, an activist with SDS.
One week after the initial meeting, the administration contacted UNF SDS and agreed to non-compliance with ICE, a statement reaffirming UNF’s commitment and support for undocumented students and increased resources for undocumented students. “This is a victory for students by students,” said Ti, an SDS activist. SDSers vowed to keep fighting for change on their campus.