Grand Valley State University’s chapter of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) attended a protest at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, Illinois on Aug. 19. The march was organized by the Coalition to March on the DNC, and garnered thousands of protesters. The protest’s platform was based on advocating for an end to U.S. aid to Israel, ensuring reproductive rights, support for immigrants’ rights and union support.

According to GVSU SDS member Eric Johnson, numerous organizations protested at the DNC, including the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression and Jewish Voice for Peace. Each organization was given a clear section within the crowd and space to voice their opinions. 

Johnson said participating in political activism of that size was thrilling, and that attending SDS members had planned on joining the protest for many months.

“Everyone was excited to take part in something much larger than themselves,” Johnson said. 

GVSU SDS Membership Officer Gavin Shingles agreed with Johnson, noting the impact the march had on him.

“It was inspiring to see the massive amount (of) people coming together to pressure the Democrats to stop arming genocide,” Shingles said.

For GVSU SDS and the other protesting organizations, the biggest motivator behind attending the march was the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. On Oct. 7, about 1,200 people were killed in an attack on Israel by Hamas and more than 250 people were taken as hostages, according to the BBC. Since then, more than 40,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed due to aerial and artillery strikes sent out by the Israeli military, and on Aug. 13, the Biden administration approved a $20 billion weapons sale to Israel.

SDS, as a national organization, has supported an arms embargo on Israel and an end to all aid to Israel by the United States.

“Everyone has (an) obligation to oppose genocide, and the (Democratic Party) is actively participating in the genocide of Palestinians,” said Shingles. “They are giving Israel the bombs being dropped on Palestinians.”

As of Aug. 21, the Biden administration put forth a new proposal for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas; however, according to the New York Times, both Israel and Hamas officials have stated that “the U.S. proposal leaves major disagreements mostly unresolved.” 

During the DNC, Vice President Kamala Harris called for a ceasefire and a negotiation to free hostages in Gaza. Harris also expressed her disgust toward the growing Palestinian death toll. Since 2023, Harris has participated in meetings with the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Egypt to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

“We have been very clear about where we stand on this, which is innocent civilian lives should not be intentionally targeted and that Israel must do more to protect innocent life in Gaza and innocent civilians in Gaza,” Harris said during a press briefing. “We continue to make that point, not only privately but publicly as well.”

Other concerns garnered by SDS are ensuring the rights of women, immigrants and union workers. In 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade, which protected women’s right to abortion. In some states, it is now illegal to have an abortion, even in cases of rape, incest or health of the mother. According to Time, Harris has more substantial views on abortion rights than Biden, condemning the Supreme Court for its decision. During the DNC, Harris addressed women’s reproductive rights, and promised to defend them if elected.

President of GVSU SDS, Owen Frassetto, said he would like to see the Democratic Party follow through on the promises they made during the convention.

“We hold you (the Democratic Party) to the things you say you’re going to do,” Frassetto said. “You have to follow through.”

During the DNC, six of the largest labor unions in the United States announced their support for Harris’ presidential campaign. Many union leaders said that Harris has previously supported their unions in an uplifting manner. However, according to members of SDS, there were union workers among the protest that wanted to ensure the Democratic Party would secure their rights.

At the protest, SDS also expressed concerns regarding Harris’ immigration policies, which include stricter border security. Harris supported the bipartisan border security deal, which would have reduced border crossings, but it was ultimately stuck down by the Republican Party. In 2021, President Biden asked Harris to oversee border policy, which led her to work with several Latin American countries to alleviate factors of mass migration, including poverty and corruption.

On July 15, GVSU SDS also protested at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin over similar grievances. 

GVSU SDS has previously participated in numerous demonstrations both on and off campus. According to Frassetto, the student group will continue protesting for an end to U.S. aid to Israel, women’s and immigrants’ rights and union support.