Stand with them at Gradlaborcounts.org and stay tuned for actions this week!

Statement on Rice and Paulson’s Postponement of their Event and the Provost’s So-Called Respect for Free Inquiry:

We the students// and the people of Chicago// condemn Hank Paulson and Condoleeza Rice’s postponement of their event// scheduled to occur on Monday, November 14, 2011// at the University of Chicago.

Last night// Thomas F. Rosenbaum, Provost of the University// and Kimberly Geoff-Crews, Dean of Students// emailed a statement to the entire university community// faculty, students, and staff// threatening disciplinary action// against anyone daring to “disrupt” the event//“disruption” to be defined as the university administration sees fit.

In their email// Rosenbaum and Geoff-Crews// invoke the concept of free inquiry// in order to justify disciplinary action// taken against those expressing such free inquiry.// Such an invocation// makes a mockery of the concept of free inquiry// by invoking it in order to stifle truly free inquiry// which would allow those who disagree to make their opinions known// in a voice just as loud as Hank and Condi’s.

The Paulson Center is a corporate forum// where war criminals like Condoleeza Rice// can merge corporate interests// with academic legitimacy// without being called out for their actions.

Rosenbaum and Geoff-Crews do not care about free inquiry.// They are only concerned about their reputations// and the reputation of this university// in the eyes of its corporate sponsors.

We the students had no intention of shutting down this talk. // We only wanted to express// our frustration with the system// of which Paulson and Rice are an integral part// in a forum where our questions would have to be answered.

Paulson and Rice’s postponement of this event// suggests that they can’t handle free inquiry.

Rosenbaum and Geoff-Crews’ threatening email// suggests that they can’t handle free inquiry.

With this statement// we seek to puncture the illusion// that this University already embodies its highest ideals.// We issue a call to the University// and to all universities// to reflect on their basic commitments// and recognize the ways in which they have fallen short.

We issue a call for true free inquiry// where those with money and influence// like Hank Paulson and Condoleeza Rice// do not get to speak louder than everyone else.

We are the 99% // and we call upon this university uphold its ideals.

“Durbin asked to reaffirm liberal values”(NBC Chicago): Elected officials addressed senior citizens and Occupy Chicago fighting cuts to social safety net programs

Some of the crucial moments missing from the WGN segment (such as the commitments acquired from officials addressing foreclosures and other issues) are included in this ten minute compilation of highlights:

Further footage: Opening remarks by Rev. Reggie Weaver of Woodlawn’s First Presbyterian Church, the location of the Celebration and Public Meeting, and a truly SOULful rendition of “Keep Your Eyes On The Prize” courtesy of the excellent mixed choir.