VIDEO: PSU pushes for alternative energy sources

The Progressive Students Union held a demonstration outside the Student Center Wednesday afternoon that emphasized the problems associated with expanded oil drilling, use of nuclear power and clean coal.

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PSU marches for the Iraq war dead

Progressive Students Union, in collaboration with the national groups Activist Response Team and Eyes Wide Open, performed a March of the Dead representing the civilian lives lost during the Iraq War.

Twenty-three volunteers, most of them students, walked from inside the Student Center entrance on North Campus to the front of CV Starr on South Campus embodying individuals and families who were victims of what they refer to as an illegal war. The men, women and children represented were killed in either Iraq, Afghanistan or the United States.

A steady beat boomed throughout the school as they walked single file; each wore all black, a white mask depicting a stoic face and a sign indicating the name, age and occupation of the person they symbolized. While they marched, students and teachers stopped to watch and take photographs, all wondering the purpose of the demonstration.

Although many dismissed the group as simple protesters, some were captivated by their somber and powerful message.

--Emily Cummins

PSU: Clean coal as real as 'Santa Claus'

Protesters dressed as elves handed out pamphlets to students explaining the myths behind clean coal.

“Make fossil fuels extinct,” the Progressive Student Union cheered on Monday as they held a protest against the use of “clean coal”. “Clean Coal is as real as Santa Claus,” they added.

The 40-minute protest held by PSU strove to enlighten students about the harmful effects of “clean coal.”

“Clean coal is dirty, both in the mining of it and in the burning of it,” said Laura Comer, a junior who is president of Students for a Greener Hofstra. Comer also said they want to educate people so they aren’t susceptible to illusions about coal being clean.

As for a safer, greener alternative? “We need to look towards safer, renewable energies such as wind and solar power. These types of energies are not only renewable, but are safe, and wont destroy the environment.” Comer said.

Along with protesting for a greener environment, the PSU also urged young people to vote through the organization Power Vote, an organization striving towards getting one million young people to not only vote in the upcoming election, but to make a greener earth their principal reason for voting.

“Hopefully the power vote will show the candidates that we are serious about this and it will make them look at smarter, safer alternatives," Comer said.

PSU blockades Student Center for hunger strike

In an attempt to raise student awareness of poverty issues, the Progressive Students Union (PSU) and with the One Campaign, performed a 92-second blockade in the Mack Student Center dining hall Monday to symbolize the 923 million hungry people in the world.

“We chose the Student Center because it’s the main dining location, but also because many people have to walk through here, too,” said Anna Rawlins, a junior who is a member of PSU. “It’s a heavily concentrated area.”

Despite lasting for less than two minutes, Rawlins said the length of 92 seconds was chosen as a ratio to the worldwide hunger statistic.

“I was actually approached by people who said ‘Wow, I never realized that,’” she said. “Some people really listened to the whole speech.”

The actual blockade was formed at both of the main entrances to the eatery and cafeteria area, while a banner was dropped from the upper level of the student center. According to Isabelle Goodman, a junior who is president of PSU, Lackmann services even agreed to refuse serving food during the 92-second barrier.

“Lackmann, Student Affairs and Public Safety were all really supportive of our efforts and actions,” Goodman said.

--Chrissy Smith