Mike Gold

Mike Gold is a Wisconsin activist.

SDS

By Daniel Ginsberg-Jaeckle September 8, 2010 Milwaukee, WI - Milwaukee Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and the movement for education rights at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) is celebrating a victory just as school begins. UWM Chancellor Carlos Santiago declared he is resigning by October 1, 2010.

Targeted in an ongoing campaign to defend tuition, jobs, and other student services, the Chancellor was rocked by protest every step of the way in his plan to balance a $20 million budget cut on the backs of students and workers.

"We demand, “Chop from the Top!"” explained Mike Gold of Milwaukee SDS. "We told the Chancellor that if the politicians are not going to hold the bankers and wealthy elite accountable for their economic crisis, cuts to our education are not going to be taken out of the pockets of workers and students; that money can come from the salaries and benefits of the Chancellor and high level administrators."

Over 20 student groups and campus unions rallied to the cause over the last year, attending and supporting speak-outs organized by SDS and eventually forming the UWM Education Rights Campaign. When the National Day to Defend Public Education on March 4th arrived, hundreds at UWM came out in support. SDS led a march to the Chancellor's office to deliver campaign demands and signatures of support.

Upon hearing of the march, the Chancellor locked the doors of his building and had UWM and city police bust up the protest. Chancellor Santiago backed up the decision to mace, rough up, and arrest peaceful protesters. The arrested students became known as the Milwaukee 16, gaining nation-wide attention.

"Chancellor Santiago's resignation was good for our movement," commented Natasha Morgan of SDS. "It's one less hurdle in our way and we're all very exited about this year's education rights movement. October 7th is going to be a big day here in Milwaukee and across the country."