Week of Action

Temple’s Student Labor Action Project cares about Social Security and unionization, even if you don’t.

Later this week SLAP, in conjunction with organizations like the AFL-CIO and Jobs with Justice, will begin staging events to mark a Week of Action intended to fight economic and social issues while commemorating the lives of Cesar Chavez and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

They also hope to raise awareness for the issues that will likely affect a number of Temple students at one point or another, even if they are of little concern to them now.

The group will first protest changes to Social Security by rallying near City Hall on Thursday, and then on Saturday they will focus on attempting to unionize models who pose for students at Moore College, located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

In an event of very local concern, the group will hold a luncheon next Monday to boost support for Temple security guards, who are also trying to unionize.

SLAP’s efforts to protest perceived injustices are commendable, but the attention should lie mostly on the issues they are combating.

Even if the ordinary Temple student doesn’t hit the streets to protest changes to Social Security, he or she should at least be aware of the impending financial crisis of the system and be knowledgeable of proposed changes.

Similarly, issues affecting Temple security guards, which has a direct affect on the quality of our collective safety, should be noticed and understood. This week SLAP will lead the way, fists pumping and bullhorns blaring, going beyond what most Temple students will do.

But every Temple student should follow in marching, even figuratively, toward being aware of substantial issues.