YDSA is set to host their Exist to Resist event on April 17. This event is to speak up for DEI rollbacks that have affected students, organizations and the community.
One of the co-chairs of YDSA, Raylee McKenzie, has worked alongside YDSA to put on this event that unites student organizations on campus. YSDA is a student group that speaks on social issues and wants to use its platform to advocate for the uncertainty of the future.
“I think a lot of students feel threats to their security on campus,” said McKenzie.
This event transpired two years ago when YDSA hosted a drag show as a response to the Tennessee Drag Ban. With the success of that event, YDSA is looking to do the same for the DEI setback.
“We started talking about ways that we could bring other groups into it and how we could find the manpower to do something bigger and more visible,” McKenzie shared.
YDSA aims for the Exist to Resist event to serve as a concert-tabling event around the Commons and the amphitheater. This will allow different organizations, student-led or from the region, an opportunity to advocate and share their involvement.
This event is open to everyone in the area who would like to show their support. There will be tables set up for donations, and the proceeds will go to the Tennessee Immigrant & Refuge Rights Coalition and the Appalachian Community of Fund.
“The overall goal is to show people that we all can achieve solidarity and support each other, even when the administration can’t explicitly say this is what the future is going to look like,” said McKenzie.
To support or donate, come out April 17 and get involved. For more updates, check out @ydsa_etsu on Instagram.
