Better late then never…
For all those interested in the happenings at Temple, here is an article about Temple DISorientation- an event brought together by Temple SDS, the Black Student Union, Student Labor Action Project (who are working with the Allied Barton security guards to get five paid sick days), and Students for Justice in Palestine (who hosted the HipHop for Palestine concert in West Philly at the end of the semester).
Disorientation presented students with information and history that is not typically given out in University run orientations, information which is indeed purposefully withheld. SDS presented pieces on Russel Conwell (Temple’s founder) and Temple’s expansion and gentrification in North Philadelphia. SLAP presented on the security workers’ struggle for paid sick days. The BSU presented on Temple’s portrayal of “diversity.” And SJP presented on the Universities investment policy and how it relates to injustice in Palestine. These presentations engaged the audience and spurred further conversations, allowing for an interactive event.
Disorientation was a collective effort from these organizations and acted as a mechanism not only to inform students of unsightly university policies and practices but also to introduce students to progressive student organizations. Temple sds recommends that other university sds chapters create their own disorentation or a similar project. This type of project provides students with critical analysis of and information about one’s university while promoting student organizations. Moreover, disorientation provides a field in which many progressive student groups can work together and build ties, which in turn can create a united progressive student movement on campus. At Temple, disorientation received much attention from students, staff, and administration. Working on this project has formed alliances and friendships among the members of the different groups involved, allowing us all to identify our unifying interests and concerns.
Here is the link to the article in the Temple News:
