Read: Nina Goldshmid’s Union Book on her experience organizing a RA union at Barnard College
As a member-leader and Chief Steward at Barnard College, Nina Goldshmid advocated for union members during a turbulent time at Barnard and Columbia University. We are proud to present her argument for organizing undergraduate students below
Group of resident assistants at Barnard College wearing red, white, and black hold up signs saying “NO PAY, NO RA’S” “BARNARD RECOGNIZE THE RA UNION” “IT’S GIVING UNIONIZATION”
“Many student unionizing efforts have been at liberal arts colleges that pride themselves on diversity, equity, inclusions, and express initiatives to educate students to be mission-driven and culturally competent. You’ll recall your professors discussing how profit-driven healthcare has caused health disparities, you’ll listen to your fellow students advocating for climate justice, and you’ll read research papers from your peers about how colonialism in the global south has destroyed economies that have still not recovered to this day, and how we, as an academic institution, have a responsibility to support struggling communities. However, your college will most likely not recognize your union voluntarily, some students won’t believe in your struggle and may believe this inequity is rooted in reason, and your liberal arts professors might not sign your petitions over fear of getting fired. It will be surprising and disturbing. I recommend not to dwell on these contradictory behaviors and focus on organizations, student networks, and faculty that show strength in supporting you and your fellow workers. Instead, use that frustration to provide momentum in your movement and hold your university accountable.”
