Tufts Threatens Labor Activists With Disciplinary Action

Last week, labor activists at Tufts ended their nearly week-long hunger strike in protest of their university’s plan to layoff a significant fraction of its custodial staff.

Despite their clearly demonstrated passion and commitment to the pro-labor cause, protesters have been told by their school to just shut up and get back to class, according to a statement from Tufts Labor Coalition.

The student group says during a meeting with Tufts administration on Monday, university officials offered no plan or compromise on upcoming staff cuts. However, Tufts did offer threats of disciplinary action, should unsanctioned efforts to save the janitor jobs continue.

Specifically, any demonstrations made during the upcoming baccalaureate and commencement ceremonies are banned, unless those actions are taken within the confines of a designated, dubiously titled “Free Speech Zone,” and are written out and submitted to Tufts for approval beforehand.

Reps from Tufts Labor point out the historical irony of Tufts attempting to squash a mid-commencement protest.

“In 1970, students staged a counter-commencement in protest of the Vietnam War. Only 50 students attended the official ceremony,” said Tufts Labor Coalition member David Ferrándiz in a statement to the media.

“This event demonstrated the power of students to express dissent and opposition to unjust situations. Potential action at this year’s commencement is a continuation of this rich history of dissent, and a tribute to the 1970 action that occurred 45 years ago.”

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