Dissent: Kelley protestors made their voices heard

I’m sure everyone is now aware of the events at the Kelley School of Business on Nov. 29. I have heard the protest discussed in classrooms and on the streets. The story was picked up by the Associated Press and reported across the nation. I was one of the protesters.

While I did not sit, I participated as a cameraman and helped confront the police. I strained my voice to a whisper chanting in unison with students and faculty members. In my three years at IU, I have never been more proud than when I watched my friends and allies block that door.

Mario Savio, a student activist from another era, once said “when the operation of the machine becomes so odious ... you’ve got to put your bodies upon the gears.” This is exactly what the protesters did. They spoke truth to power with their bodies.

Those who opposed the action have questioned our tactics, our integrity and our work ethic. While I cannot speak for every protester, I can say this: My mother is a nurse at the poorest hospital in Indianapolis. Until his death, my father was a rape crisis counselor at the same hospital. I feel inspired by their sacrifice and commitment to justice every day.

I came to IU as a National Merit Scholar, and in my time here I have received excellent grades, academic scholarships and internships. I defy anyone who would call me lazy or worthless. The same is true of every protester. We have worked as hard as any other student.

Some Kelley students worried their chances at a job with JPMorgan were harmed.

Good.

If it is your dream to work for an institution that has ruined countless lives, I implore you to dream a new dream. JPMorgan is one of many banks that contributed to the financial collapse and continues to exploit the citizens of the world while purchasing political influence.

It has no place on our campus or in our country. We took action not only to disrupt the recruiting event but also to raise awareness of JPMorgan’s crimes. Our peaceful protest was carried out in the finest tradition of the labor, civil rights and women’s movements.

We will no longer stand aside while the financial industry perverts a place of learning. This was only the beginning of a long struggle. On the night of the protest, I was overwhelmed with emotions. I had feelings of fear, joy, anger and pride.

But most of all, I had a feeling of hope.

­— atcrane@indiana.edu