A presentation by Dr. David Healy highlights the inaugural “Expression Against Oppression” week, featuring a variety of free events around campus all week long.

Healy—presently embroiled in a multi-million dollar academic freedom lawsuit with U of T—will speak on Wednesday at Hart House with Nancy Olivieri on “money, medicine and morals.”

The week has been organized by the Student Administrative Council (SAC) to give students a voice, creative outlet and forum to express their thoughts, feelings and concerns about oppression in all its forms, according to Liz Majic, Equity Commissioner at SAC.

“As well, it promotes the fact that students are an important voice and that as a university community, we can work to end oppressive behaviour and forms,” she said. The week spans from Saturday November 17 through Friday November 23 and features a variety of daily events.

Highlights include discussion of safety on campus, a presentation by distinguished journalists on free press issues in the developing world, a free hip-hop performance and a variety of free film, art exhibits and spoken word events.

“This event provides a forum for students to read poetry, play songs, perform skits etc. while relaxing in an open and non-judgmental environment,” said SAC’s University Affairs commissioner Agata Durkalec. Tara Atluri, the Co-Coordinator of the Women’s Centre and Coordinator of the Women of Colour Group, will be performing spoken word at Erindale Campus on Thursday. Atluri described her performance as “poetry about the intersection of sexism, colonialism, capitalism and racism.”

Atluri voiced her enthusiasm about “Expression Against Oppression” week, saying she believes it is important for students to support and be exposed to local artists performing about social justice issues. However, Atluri cautioned that events such as the week “should not take the place” of anti-oppression policies on the part of U of T.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Free food provided at most events

MONDAY

“Womyn’s safety on campus”— panel discussion, 2-4 pm, JCR, UC.
SAC Movie Mondays premiere screening—Ma Vie en Rose, 4 pm, SAC St. George office
Feature film screening—Incident at Oglala, 9:30 pm, Innis Town Hall

TUESDAY

Guerrilla performance art, 12:00pm, Sid Smith lobby with anti-oppression information-stations at 12:30pm

WEDNESDAY

Equity art series, 12-7 pm, Hart House east common room
Breakdown—dissecting media propaganda seminar, 7 p.m., Erindale Student Centre, presentation room
“Money, medicine, and morals” academic freedom symposium w/Dr. Nancy Olivieri, Dr. David Healy and others, 7-9 pm, Hart House theatre (inquire @ SAC for tickets—free but limited!)

THURSDAY

spoken word, 3:30 pm, Blind Duck pub @ Erindale

FRIDAY

Journalistic Freedom, tba
Politikal hip hop w/che and dope poet society, 9:30pm, the attic pub @ scarborough, food provided