A leftist student activism group at the University of Chicago is calling on the institution to dole out $1 billion in reparations to residents of neighborhoods surrounding the university.
“No amount of money will ever equate to all that has been lost and stolen from Black South Side residents over generations, but it’s vital that we act now to protect the South Side’s future,” reads a post on the UChicago Against Displacement Instagram page.
According to Block Club Chicago, chief among students’ demands are $1 billion allocated for housing grants, an annual $20 million in rental assistance and funds for local schools, and that the university be “held accountable” for locating its campus on the city’s south side.
The campaign, which had been on hold since October, relaunched on Valentine’s Day with a protest.
“F–ck UChicago,” reads a graphic that advertised the protest. “Our hearts are broken by the university’s history of harm to the south side,” it continues.
Last week, the group held an “open house” event featuring food, music, and “zines,” a form of protest art.
It’s unclear why these leftist students decided to attend the University of Chicago – which charges more than $60 thousand per year – given that they believe that their school has had and continues to have such a negative impact on the community.
The UChicago campaign comes right alongside Chicago’s recent mayoral election, which saw avowed socialist and reparations advocate Brandon Johnson handily defeat the more moderate candidate.
The New Guard attempted to reach the University of Chicago and the student group for comment but did not hear back. This article will be updated accordingly.