We've thrown the slogan "A Free University in a Free Society" around a lot and, sure, it sounds hella cool, but what does it mean? What can it mean? What would a free University in a free society actually look like? How do we go about creating a university completely free from corporate interest, discrimination and suppression of expression? How do we make our higher education more accessible, less expensive, better and more conducive to diversity and originality? Who would control such a free university? Would it be possible to maintain the current organizational structures of Universities as we begin this transformation? How would we effect change in this sphere?
All students, high school or college, and recent graduates are invited to submit papers and, at our national convention or sooner if need be SDS will work to choose the most carefully planned, varied proposals and have their composers present them at the panel. It would then be opened up to the floor, where people can provide critiques of each ideal and put forward their own ideas. I feel this would be a great workshop, because we have a responsibility as students to work within out own sphere and reform universities. Hopefully, by providing education we can help to obliterate the wealth gap, introduce balanced job complexes and create more intelligent citizens who are able to function in a society built on Participatory Democracy.
Thanks.