Folks in Lawrence will take a stand against economic injustice and advocate for human rights during May Day demonstrations at the University of Kansas and downtown.
Friday, May 1 is May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day. People nationwide join strikes and demonstrations for worker’s rights, embracing the refrain, “No work, no school, no spending.”
This year, actions in Lawrence will take a stand against Immigration and Customs Enforcement and war, while speaking up for transgender rights.
A citywide coalition will host a march and rally starting at noon at Ninth and Massachusetts streets in downtown Lawrence.
The group will march down Mass Street to City Hall, 6 E. Sixth St., to make demands of the local government before moving to Watson Park at Seventh and Kentucky streets.
There will be a rally at Watson with speakers including Rep. Brooklyn Moseley, Lawrence Education Association President Emerson Hoffzales, Jason Maymon with the Lawrence Democratic Socialists, and Mark Jaskowski from the United Academics of KU.
“This march and rally is in Solidarity with the May Day Strong national movement,” the event post reads. “Bring your signs supporting Workers Over Billionaires, No ICE. No war. Protect Trans Rights, Hands off our vote.”
KU demonstration
The Lawrence community can also join the KU May Day demonstration at 9:45 a.m. on the lawn of the Ecumenical Campus Ministries, 1204 Oread Ave, per this Instagram post. The group will march to Fraser Hall, 1415 Jayhawk Blvd, and launch into opening speeches at 11:15 a.m.
Demonstrations and chats will kick off around 11:45 a.m., and by 12:30 p.m., protesters will disperse to the ECM, where Solidarity Fest will run from 1 to 4 p.m. Solidarity Fest is an opportunity for people to connect with leftist organizations around Lawrence, according to this Instagram post.
KU May Day attendees will protest the university administration following the vote of no confidence in the leadership of Chancellor Doug Girod in March.
“Public employees are not allowed to strike in the state of Kansas,” a post from organizers reads. “This includes GTA’s, faculty, and all student employees who cannot go on strike. Even when the university ignores their demands. But all other students can!”
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