Take action with YDSA

By: Aubrey Smith, Contributor 

Since 2020, Canisius has had a chapter of the Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA). This is a club where students who demand justice go; we want to give power to the powerless, and work towards a tomorrow that is better for everyone. Some of our core beliefs include supporting unions, accessible health care and fighting for climate change legislation. Our ideal government is one that maintains a free market, but emphasizes true democracy. Most importantly, we want a peaceful transition from capitalism to an economy and society run democratically.

This year, we have two main initiatives. Right now, we are focusing on our divestment campaign in support of Palestine. The YDSA believes in a Free Palestine, which means an end to the illegal Israeli occupation and decades long apartheid which has been recognized by the International Court of Justice. As we take in information and listen to the voices coming out of Palestine, we try to keep those who have lost their lives in our thoughts. After the events on Oct. 7 of last year, our YDSA chapter started dedicating several meetings to understanding what is going on in Palestine, and we started to hear students call for Canisius to divest. Divestment starts with Canisius disclosing information on whether or not they are investing in any weapons manufacturers or war profiteers. After this – if necessary – we will push for Canisius to put money toward more sustainable investments. No matter what happens with divestment, the YDSA will continue to educate the student body and hold spaces for students to express their sentiments.

Our second initiative focuses on adjunct professors at Canisius. The YDSA believes that

adjuncts are an integral part of our university, and we think that most of the student body does too, which is why we want to raise awareness of how adjuncts are treated. Though they put in large amounts of effort into providing our education, they are not financially compensated sufficiently for this, and it can be a struggle to survive on adjunct paychecks alone. Students at Canisius can understand the importance of getting an education and being in a classroom with a supportive environment. Thus, as all professors – adjuncts included – contribute to what drew us to want to study at Canisius, our YDSA will continue to push for better treatment of staff.

Please join us at our first event of the year: a tea and coffee social on Sept. 24, at 5:00pm, in the basement of Palisano Pavilion.