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Rob Le Cates

From right, Riley Bauer, a graduate student studying English and philosophy, and Spencer Bauer, an undecided sophomore, shame participants in the Republican party fundraiser hosted in the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union Saturday afternoon. The two said they joined the protest because of the frightening state of politics and to support impacted by anti immigration and LGBTQ legislation.

The sounds and sights of protesters and picket signs of the Students for Socialism protest filled the Mellin Steps outside the Doudna Fine Arts Center at EIU on Saturday afternoon. 

EIU’s branch of SFS, an on-campus activist group, was protesting the Coles County Republican Party’s fundraiser dinner in the nearby Grand Ballroom of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union. 

Various members of the group gave speeches outside of the Union building during the fundraiser dinner with approximately 15 to 20 people, both students and community members, in attendance at the protest. 

Chants such as “More power to the people” and “Nobody is illegal” rang through Library Quad, with the sounds of musical instruments and megaphones accompanying the protest. 

The Coles County Republicans did not return multiple requests for comment regarding the protest or the fundraiser. 

The protest comes after SFS hand-delivered a petition to Eastern President Jay Gatrell during his community office hours on Tuesday calling for the fundraiser be canceled.  

Approximately 75 students signed the petition, according to Jason Farias, a senior history education major who currently serves as president of SFS EIU. 

“We’re holding this protest because the Trump administration is targeting immigrants, queer people and minorities in order to sell working people a billionaire agenda,” said Farias. 

Gatrell responded to the concerns via email by saying, “EIU is a campus committed to freedom of expression and freedom of association. Indeed, all universities should be places where students are encouraged to share their perspectives and engage in civil dialogue. For that reason, I am committed to ensuring all voices are welcome and that the rights of every member of the EIU community, as well as visitors, are secured and respected.” 

SFS was formed last fall after members of the former EIU branch of the Young Democratic Socialists of America chapter on campus disbanded the YDSA over disagreements with the Democratic Socialists of America’s stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict, according to Farias. 

“We feel they [DSA] didn’t take a strong enough position,” Farias said. “The PSL [Party for Socialism and Liberation] has always been very consistent and stood with the Palestinian people.” 

SFS is a registered student organization. According to the EIU student life office website, SFS makes it their mission to “advance socialist policies and build towards a socialist society.” 

“Our mission going forward is to really build the confidence of the students, develop them into leaders and organizers, to engage in political education, direct action and collaboration with other student organizations on campus,” Farias said. 

Jacob Hamm can be reached at 581-2812 or at jmhamm@eiu.edu.