The Historical Power of Protest at the City University of New York (CUNY): Community, Collective Action, and Implications for the Present

• In Event: Roundtable Group 16
  In Refereed Roundtable Session: Turning to the past and to the future of higher education

Proposal

This proposal seeks to explore the rich history of protest at the City University of New York (CUNY) and its profound impact on social change and empowerment within the university and the broader community. By examining significant historical protest movements, their catalysts, strategies, and outcomes, this presentation aims to shed light on how collective action has been a powerful force in shaping CUNY's identity and promoting social justice over the years and how protest and direct action frameworks can be taken up to fight persistent social inequity in the present. This research will explore the contradictory role of academic institutions, including CUNY, in both crushing and nurturing community, activism, and student-led movements. This proposal aspires to provide a comprehensive understanding of the historical power of protest at CUNY and its lessons for fostering activism, inclusivity, and community in higher education institutions.

Introduction:
This research will introduce the significance of protest as a means of social change and its historical roots at the City University of New York (CUNY) as well as the connection of local struggles to the global context. It will highlight the importance of examining the university's protest movements in understanding the importance of protest to the practice of democratic principles, accessibility, and social justice.

Historical Overview of Protest at CUNY:
This presentation will outline the key moments and movements of protest that have occurred at CUNY over the years. It will include significant events such as the 1969 CUNY Black and Puerto Rican Student Strike, the 1991 Budget Cuts Protests, and more recent movements related to tuition hikes and labor rights. Furthermore, it will examine the catalysts and triggers that led to the emergence of protest movements at CUNY. Whether sparked by discriminatory policies, funding issues, or broader social movements both nationally and internationaly, understanding these catalysts is crucial to contextualizing the power and impact of protests. It will address the relevance of collective action in addressing present challenges and promoting inclusivity in higher education. There will be a focus on how student activism at CUNY has empowered individuals and communities. It will explore how protest participation has shaped the political consciousness and leadership skills of students, fostering a legacy of social engagement and direct democracy.

The aim of this presentation is to contribute to a deeper understanding of the historical significance of protest at the City University of New York. Moreover, it hopes to inspire discussions on the role of communities in higher education in fostering activism, empowering students, and advancing equity in our society. The rich legacy of protest at CUNY serves as a testament to the power of collective action in challenging injustices and paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.

Author

• Angela Dunne, The Graduate Center, City University of New York