Strategies for Workplace Advocacy: Harnessing Protests for Corporate Equality and Fairness in the Workplace
A long-standing tradition of student activism reshapes the fabric of society, tackling pressing issues like apartheid, war, climate change, and racial inequality. If you're itching to make a difference by challenging oppressive systems and structures, take a cue from student-led activism. In this article, we delve into resistance strategies from student movements and teach you how to combat workplace injustice.
Throughout history, student-led protests have shaken the ground and brought about change. Some milestone movements that hammered at the foundations of oppressive systems include:
- The 1968 Columbia University Protests: Students took a stand against their university's deep ties to the Vietnam War and its planned construction of a gym, which threatened to evict and displace local residents. Their efforts were seen as effective and successful.
- The Soweto Uprising in 1976: In South Africa, students rose up against the apartheid government's plans to force Afrikaans language instruction in schools for Black students. Despite starting as a peaceful protest, the violent police response sparked international criticism of apartheid, hastening its dismantling.
- The "Penguin Revolution" in Chilean student protests of 2006: Students mobilized to demand free public transportation, lower college entrance exam fees, and greater influence in government policy. Their actions led to structural changes and educational policy reform.
- India's Anti-CAA protests in 2019: Thousands of students across India protested the Citizenship Amendment Act, which many saw as discriminatory. While the law was implemented, the protests galvanized a generation into activism and resistance.
By learning from these student protests, employees can advocate for workplace justice. Here are some key lessons:
- Grassroots movements matter: Take inspiration from the anti-CAA protests: small groups of employees can spark transformative change, challenging the notion that change must originate at the top. Employee resource groups, affinity groups, DEI councils, and other employee-led initiatives can be instrumental in driving change.
- Advocates hold power: Just like faculty and staff supported the Columbia University protests of 1968, allies with some level of institutional leverage can help drive systemic shifts.
- Use resources to amplify your message: A symbolic photo from the Soweto Uprising helped bring attention to resistance against apartheid. Employees can use various resources such as media exposure and strategic alliances with advocacy groups, non-profit organizations, and individual supporters to amplify their message and bring about change.
- Persistence pays off: Students in Chile's 2006 protests were relentless in their demands for change, applying pressure over several months. Employees seeking workplace change should recognize that transformations may take time and persistence, requiring a sustained, targeted, and multi-pronged approach.
- The 1968 Columbia University Protests, where students demonstrated against their university's involvement in the Vietnam War and a planned gym construction, serve as an example of effective and successful student-led activism.
- In the Soweto Uprising of 1976, student protests against the apartheid government's plan to enforce Afrikaans language instruction in schools captured international attention, ultimately speeding up the dismantling of apartheid.
- Historical student movements like the 2006 Chilean student protests, where students demanded free public transportation, lower college entrance exam fees, and greater government influence, offer insights on how small employee groups can challenge their workplace systems and drive change through persistent, targeted efforts.
