News in Brief: June 2, 2014

Industrial Workers of the World/Student Labor Action Movement – Harvard
Labor activists hit out at what they claim is union busting and discrimination at Harvard University in a protest coinciding with the school’s commencement day. Members of the Industrial Workers of the World union, Harvard’s Student Labor Action Movement, and other supporters picketed outside the Smith Center near Harvard Square on Thursday. The issues raised include the sexual harassment faced by Harvard employee Johany Pilar, and who also claims to have faced retaliation from her supervisor. They also include the relegation of Marvin Byrd despite years of long service and a good work record, and Harvard Union of Clerical and Technical Workers representative Nassim Kerkache who was also demoted three salary grades.

Divestment Campaign – Harvard
Calling for divestment from fossil fuel-related industries, four alumni of Harvard University, including New Economy Coalition President Rev. Bob Massie peacefully demonstrated inside the on-campus Sanders Theater before a speech by President Drew Gilpin Faust to Harvard reunion attendees on Friday. According to the Divest Harvard campaign, the protestors had planned to bear silent witness during Faust's remarks, but they were escorted out by police, which they claim shows the measures that Harvard is willing to take in order to avoid open discussion of divestment.