The Bronx—“We cannot be quiet. We must fight fascism!”
These were the inspiring words of a Middle Eastern student at our teach-in at a City University of New York (CUNY) campus in the Bronx. More than 500 students and staff crowded into a big hall to better understand the world and make plans to fight back. We discussed organizing against racism, sexism, deportation, mass incarceration, and the ban on Muslim workers. We also got a glimpse of what an egalitarian society might look like as students from all around the world played key leadership roles in speaking, leading the workshops, and organizing the event. The divisiveness of identity politics took a back seat to building a united fightback led by the working class.
The teach-in was organized by a growing grassroots organization on campus. The keynote speakers were all students from countries on the racist Muslim ban list as well as undocumented students. The spirit of fightback was very evident as each speaker called on the participants to take a stand. “There is no one who can stop us!” was the rallying cry of one of the student speakers.
The workshops and discussion circles promoted the fighting spirit of the 1960s. There were no lectures or power points-just students and staff exchanging ideas and experiences on how to best fight back. A member of the Progressive Labor Party (PLP) explained how racism is part of capitalism and that we won’t see its end until we end capitalism. The workshops were lively and engaging, and as each ended, there were resounding chants throughout the entire hall. In the anti-racism workshop, students exchanged anecdotes about how they have stood up to racism and many agreed to join the organization and get more involved.
PLP members and friends have been active in the campus struggles here, from challenging tuition hikes to fighting racist police brutality. We have fought to make each event a call for multi-racial unity and working class solidarity. Rather than see the teach-in as a place for “identity politics” where different groups see themselves as separate constituencies, we have held strong to the line that the Muslim ban, racist police killings, and attacks on immigrants are an attack on all of us. These attacks are systemic and not simply the policies of one President. The Progressive Labor Party’s communist ideas have received a positive response on campus, as Challenge distribution and discussion groups have increased.
This event was a step forward in the fight against racism and fascism, and for a better world. The organizers did not shy away from talking about fighting back. Hundreds showed they are ready to fight and are looking to both give and take political leadership. Despite the bosses’ intimidation and fear tactics, students who are the direct targets of Donald Trump’s racist policies showed courage and determination.
But there is much more to be done. Some high school students took the lead with a militant walkout a few days after the teach-in. On campus we must strengthen the sanctuary movement. A rapid response team can respond to any and all attacks on undocumented brothers and sisters. We rally on International Women’s Day to celebrate their leadership of the entire, united working class.
     As we participate in these struggles, we must train future leaders to fight against the whole capitalist system. Let’s step up our fightback on all our campuses and join the Progressive Labor Party in the fight for a better world!