History of Swarthmore Activism
Swarthmore College has a long-standing tradition of activism, most recently seen in the unionization of Resident Assistants (RAs). Founded with Quaker values, Swarthmore’s creation was driven by the desire to establish a college “under the care of Friends, at which an education may be obtained equal to that of the best institutions of learning in our country,” according to the Swarthmore College website. On its opening day, November 10, 1869, a tree was planted to honor founders Lucretia Mott and her late husband, James Mott, both renowned activists for abolition and women’s rights. Notably, Swarthmore admitted 25 students in its first class, 15 of whom were women, marking a progressive step in gender equality in education from the birth of the college.
In more recent history, Swarthmore students successfully worked to disband fraternities in 2019 following controversies surrounding Greek life. Though the College, like all institutions, has faced challenges in confronting inequitable systems, Swarthmore has continually strived toward progress through the actions of its students.
Recently: RA Unionization
On Thursday, October 3, 2024, Swarthmore RAs and the College reached a tentative agreement regarding compensation and working conditions after eight bargaining sessions that began in December 2023. This unionization effort culminated in a decisive 46-5 vote among RAs last winter, as reported by The Phoenix (the College’s newspaper). If ratified, the agreement will increase RA compensation by 21-23.5% in pre-tax income annually, depending on years of service. As an RA myself, I believe this agreement will likely be ratified, marking a significant victory for RAs and reinforcing the power of student activism at Swarthmore!
Implications for the Future
Though the negotiation process was lengthy and difficult, it is a clear example of how student activism can enact real change on Swarthmore’s campus. The college has a long history of encouraging dissent, and this latest effort is part of a broader trend of student involvement shaping campus culture. From the RA unionization to other movements, such as recent pro-Palestine protests and student organizations like Campus Coalition Concerning Chester, Swarthmore continues to be a space for activism. As long as it remains committed to fostering dialogue and action, Swarthmore will stay at the forefront of progress.
