Campus Groups Mark September 11 Anniversary with Rally and Vigil

By Dan Woulfin
Graduate Correspondent

Students at Stony Brook marked the fifth anniversary of the September 11th attacks on the Twin Towers students with two events: a rally and candlelit vigil.

The rally, held by labor groups including the Stony Brook branch of the Graduate Students Employee Union (GSEU/CWA1104), began at noon at Stony Brook campus to protest and draw attention to a lack of space and staff problems at the Long Island World Trade Center Monitoring and Treatment Program at the Occupational Health and Safety Clinic at Stony Brook Hospital.

Victor Rosado, Business Agent of Stony Brook GSEU, said “When President Bloom called and explained to me that 9-11 rescue workers were not receiving proper funding at the Occupational Health and Safety Clinic, I was at a loss for words. GSEU members…will stand with other unions and community organizations to make sure that proper funding and facilities are provided to Long Island Rescue workers on the other side of the campus."

While chanting “SBU…Shame on You,” the GSEU joined with approximately seventy-five members of CWA 1104, Jobs With Justice, the Long Island Federation of Labor (AFL-CIO) and other supporters for a short march from the main entrance to the fountain where they then held a rally. Later that night, in an unrelated event, the Social Justice Alliance and Musicians Alliance for Peace held a candlelight vigil to mark the anniversary of September 11th. A small group sat in solemn silence around a peace sign made out of candles, while a cello played in the background.