Occupy the Mic

The Basics:

On Tuesday, Nov. 15, the Labor Initiative in Promoting Solidarity at Ithaca College hosted “Occupy the Mic,” a speak-out event and discussion focusing on the student debt crisis in the United States. The philosophy of the event is simple: Over $190,000 – the total cost of attending Ithaca College for four years – is simply too large of a number to not talk about. Students should have a forum to share their stories, discuss the weight of their student loans, and document how they wound up with a $70,000 or $40,000 or $60,000 student loan price tag.

Any student or professor was encouraged to get up on stage, occupy the microphone, and share their story of financial struggle with the rest of the college. Buzzsaw was there to cover the event, endorsing the idea that it is important to discuss these issues in a public space. We wanted to ensure that these stories had a place to survive even after the “Occupy the Mic” event concluded.

Included here are some stories from students and faculty members, some raw audio from the event, and additional information about student debt and loans.

Buzzsaw’s Coverage:

+ Full Photo Gallery from the Event, by Geri Silver
Photos of all of the student and faculty speakers from the event.

+ Breaking the Myths of “Occupy the Mic”, by Adam Polaski
On Tuesday, Nov. 15, the Labor Initiative in Promoting Solidarity is looking to address the issue of student debt and loans with Occupy the Mic, a speak-out event and discussion.

+ We Can Tremble Together, by Shaun Poust
The full text of Shaun Poust’s introduction to the Occupy the Mic event.

+ Sauce Day, by Laura St. John
The full text and audio of Laura St. John’s “Occupy the Mic” speech.

+ I Hold the Burden of Privilege, by Pete Blanchard
The full text and audio of Pete Blanchard’s “Occupy the Mic” speech, including a slam poem called “I Hold the Burden of Privilege.”

+ Chris Zivalich’s Speech, by Chris Zivalich
The full audio of Chris Zivalich’s “Occupy the Mic” speech

+ Putting a Face to the Student Debt Crisis, by Adam Polaski
Post-event reflection about the challenges of acquiring student loans, the myths of the glamour of private education, and the crushing realities of an overpriced educational system.