Occupy Brock

Sept. 17, 2011, was the date the first major Occupy movement officially began, with protestors in New York City occupying Zuccotti Park. Following Occupy Wall Street, people across the globe began their own movements and protests, in countries such as Germany, New Zealand, South Korea, Mexico and Canada. Although not standing for one thing in particular, the Occupy movement's purpose is to catalyse change in social and economic inequality.

A collection of Brock University students, faculty members, instructors and teaching assistants, support staff, campus unions and alumni have now brought the movement to Brock. Occupy Brock began on Feb. 1, with an occupation of the Schmon Tower lobby.

Beginning around 8:30 a.m., assemblies were held throughout the morning where individuals raised issues over specific concerns.

One of these concerns included numerous groups speaking out against the University's Solidarity Experiences Abroad (SEA) to Latin America program.

"We ask to take a stand and only officially sanction volunteer opportunities with non-religious organizations," said June Corman, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences. "And that in fact, all course work opportunities at Brock also not be involved with specific religious organizations."

Both the Brock University Faculty Administration (BUFA) and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) 4207 supported this movement. The SEA program's local partner, Sodality of Christian Life, has been accused of violations of human rights in various countries.

Occupiers were writing down their reasons for occupying Brock, sticking them to the inner windows of the Schmon Tower lobby. By the afternoon, quite a wide array of issues had been posted, but many of them were about the one issue that seems to affect almost every student – tuition.

Carrie Perrault, a fifth-year Visual Arts student had a number of concerns, but like a lot of occupiers, she was mainly there due to financial concerns.

"Pretty much, I can't afford to be at university," said Perrault.

Perrault also said things like budget cutbacks throughout all Departments at Brock and discussions about eliminating the seminar system were important.

Budget cutbacks already seem to have taken effect, as classroom and seminar sizes continue to grow, which is why one Brock student believed an Occupy movement makes sense.

"There are so many issues that students face going through university," he said. "I think talking about these issues in a setting like this is the first step in actually making progress."

Other issues raised included the negative increase in animal testing on campus, the labour relations climate and the Sodexo food company. Sodexo has a monopoly on the food offered at Brock, which makes it difficult for students to find and eat both healthy and inexpensive food on campus.

It seems that Occupy Brock will not function on a continuous basis like other Occupy movements. Rather, "Brockupiers" will meet each Wednesday to continue their occupancy of the Schmon Tower and Brock University. Occupy Brock's next meeting is set for Feb. 8 at 12:00 p.m. in the lobby of the Schmon Tower.