RADICAL ACADEMICS: WHAT IS TO BE DONE?

With antiwar activity rising and continuing efforts in many fields to combat the degradation of academic labor, we think this may be a good time for a friendly, informal meeting of active leftists in the universities. Our aims:

1. To trade reports on conditions in the disciplines and on the work of left caucuses there; to encourage formation of other such groups;

2. To discuss the politics of higher education in a time of war fever and a longer time of privatization;

3. To consider whether a loose affiliation of left caucuses, or even a formal organization of academic progressives, might be worth undertaking--to oppose the war, but also to build more general resistance among graduate students and faculty members.

We suggest beginning with reports and analysis (#1 above) from participants who can speak briefly about or for the various caucuses and other organizations, followed by questions and clarifications. Then the broader discussion described in #2 above; then lunch, around 1:00. Then we would consider the question framed in #3 above, and possible steps toward further organization.