This January, I had the opportunity to sit down with Students For Socialism (SFS), a club at Eastern Illinois University (EIU). I spoke to Jason Farias, the President; Alene Maxstadt, the Secretary; and Cal Jimenez, the Treasurer.
When asked to simplify socialism for a new audience, Jason said, “It’s an alternative to capitalism. Under a socialist system, political and economic power is in the hands of the working class. SFS works to raise consciousness of the student body to issues around capitalism, how they’re caused by capitalism…and we do this through political education like we did tonight, and direct action like organizing protests and rallies. We also collaborate with other student and community organizations.”
Alene said that SFS’s objective is to get the student body involved in socialism. They stated, “it’s a way to let people know that they have an outlet to funnel their frustration, anger, and concern about this issue.” Cal added, “Right now, we are making sure we speak out against ICE. We worked with PSL (Party for Socialism and Liberation) at Morton Park, and we demanded justice for Renee Good’s murder. We’ve also done ‘Know Your Rights’ forms. As a person with immigrant parents, this is the main thing I like to contribute to SFS.”
“October 7 and the Palestine Solidarity Movement really ripped the façade off of a lot of progressive and liberal organizations…the Palestine movement created a schism [and] a new leadership emerged of people who wanted to participate in the Palestine movement. We felt like Associating ourselves with PSL was better for our development as an organization,” said Jason.
When asked if they could tell one thing to people who are unaware of socialism, Alene said, “Its not everything that Red Scare politicians make it out to be…it isn’t just a hot topic like when people went, ‘Oh, Commies!’ in the 70’s.” Cal added, “Socialism is for the people, by the people. We shouldn’t live in a system where people are living unhoused and on the streets… we have to recognize that we, as the working class, are cogs in the machine, but the machine isn’t always benefiting us.”
“We are based at Eastern, but we’re open to community members and Lake Land Students!” Jason stated. “If people are interested in SFS, they should come to our meetings and get to know us and our politics. If they feel like they align with us, then we can work together.”
Students for Socialism meets every Wednesday at 6pm in Coleman Hall at Eastern Illinois University!
