PSU Vanguard
June 1st, 2015
“$1.2 trillion is not working,” said Daniel Hong, an organizer with Strike Debt Portland.
People gathered on the Park Blocks behind Smith Memorial Student Union for a student Debtor’s Assembly to learn more about and protest student debt on May 28.
The assembly was organized by Strike Debt Portland, a local chapter of a national organization that, according to their website, is a “nationwide movement of debt resisters fighting for economic justice and democratic freedom.”
Signs behind the stage read, “You are not a loan,” “Education is a human right,” and “$1.2 trillion isn’t working.”
Portia Norton, another SDPDX organizer, and Hong emceed the event. General Strike, a Portland-based folk band, performed songs and led chants. People handed out red felt squares for protestors to wear in solidarity with debtors. Several people got up to speak to the crowd.
Ian Johnson, a representative from Oregon Working Families Party, talked about the history of student debt.
“Student debt can’t be discharged through bankruptcy,” he said. “You can have your wages or social security garnished up to 25 percent. These are predatory interest rates.”