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OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF INTERNATIONAL SOCIALIST ORGANIZATION March 3, 2004 As an organization committed to fighting injustice and oppression everywhere, the ISO has been inspired by--and proud to be part of--the struggle of students of color that has erupted on Columbia's campus over the last two weeks. We recognize that the specific incidents of Orgo Night, the Conservative Club's bake sale, and the Fed cartoon are only the most recent symptoms of a deep and persistent racism that exists on this campus-a racism that is fed by and reflects the racism in American society. The incredible turnout by students of color along with a diverse group of allies against these attacks has sent a powerful statement to the administration, the campus community, and this nation at large. They have given confidence to many and show a strong unwillingness to let the clock be turned back on civil rights gains won through years of struggle by students, activists, and ordinary people in this country. Furthermore, they demonstrate the potential for building a large multiracial movement against racism on this campus. There are voices on this campus (including President Bollinger's and the Spectator, see 2/27 editorial) who pay lip service to diversity, but question the necessity of ongoing struggle. Instead of systematic change and the struggle it requires to achieve it, they counsel patience and negotiations and task forces. In April 16, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. wrote from a Birmingham jail the following: "For years now I have heard the word 'Wait!' It rings in the ear of every Negro with piercing familiarity. This 'Wait' has almost always meant 'Never.' We must come to see [...] that 'justice too long delayed is justice denied.'" We agree with this sentiment that "we can't wait." At a time when the right-wing is waging an assault on everything from gay marriage to abortion rights to affirmative action programs, the kind of struggle happening at Columbia is crucial to challenging the bigots behind any and all attacks, and to ensuring that justice is no longer denied. That is why we have been proud to join the protests and speakouts of the last few weeks and will continue to speak up, organize, and fight.
In solidarity,
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