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Reposted by Boston DSA

Ayah Al-Zubi (she/her) @votealzubi.com · 2d

Community is how I was raised. Our whole campaign is built on it. And if elected, we will take that spirit to City Hall.

The Harvard Crimson @theharvardcrimson.bsky.social · 4d

Ayah Al-Zubi ’23 first launched her bid for a seat on the Cambridge City Council back in 2023, as a fresh-faced Harvard College graduate. Two years later, she’s back on the ballot and ready to “co-govern.”

Summer E. Rose reports.

www.thecrimson.com/article/2025...

Affordability Top of Mind as Ayah Al-Zubi ’23 Launches Second Run for City Council | News | The Harvard Crimson

Ayah Al-Zubi ’23 first launched her bid for a seat on the Cambridge City Council back in 2023, as a fresh-faced Harvard College graduate. Two years later, she’s back on the ballot and ready to …

www.thecrimson.com

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Reposted by Boston DSA

Democratic Socialists of America @demsocialists.bsky.social · 2d

DSA affirms our fundamental right to free speech and assembly. We will not be intimidated by the Trump administration’s cronies, and we will continue our struggle for democracy to the end. If you want to live in a free society, join DSA today. dsausa.org/join

Join DSA. Become a member today.

Democratic socialists have an historic opportunity and responsibility to play a central role in continuing the political revolution for the long term. As a democratic, grassroots organization, DSA is ...

act.dsausa.org

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Reposted by Boston DSA

DSA National Electoral Commission @dsaelectoral.bsky.social · 8d

@willieburnleyjr.bsky.social of @bostondsa.org is running for Mayor of Somerville!

Hear Willie’s take on how socialism beats fascism and the importance of fighting for fundamental, transformative changes in society for the working class.

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Reposted by Boston DSA

Ayah Al-Zubi (she/her) @votealzubi.com · 7d

Proud to stand in solidarity with Starbucks workers alongside my DSA comrade @votejivan.bsky.social!

Today was a practice picket… we're just getting started. For now, take the "No Contract, No Coffee" pledge at sbworkersunited.org/take-action / follow @sbworkersunited.org + @bostondsa.org for news!

Ayah outside the Harvard Square Starbucks, holding a sign saying "No Contract? No Coffee!" She is standing with Cambridge City Councilor Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler holding a sign saying "Just Practicing for a Just Contract!" In the background others can be seen holding similar signs.

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Reposted by Boston DSA

Democratic Socialists of America @demsocialists.bsky.social · 4d

For the first time in history, DSA has 80,000 members in good standing! Tens of thousands of new members have joined the last year alone. In the face of rising fascism, a US-backed genocide, and an escalating climate crisis, socialism is the only path forward. 1/3

DSA Members in Good Standing -- 80K and Counting! Join today! dsausa.org/join Line graph showing number of members in good standing rising from 50,000 in October 2024 to 80,000 in September 2025.

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Boston DSA @bostondsa.org · 26d

We are 2 DAYS away from the Somerville preliminary election and we are hard at work for @willieburnleyjr.bsky.social! We have been knocking doors, phonebanking, & providing our time & resources to create a Somerville for all.

Join us in realizing a socialist future today: linktr.ee/willieforsom...

Willie Burnley Jr. for Mayor of Somerville
Vote on Tuesday, Sep. 16

Backed by the people, not developers. The only renter in the race.
Endorsed by: DSA, UAW, YIMBY, Somerville for Palestine

WILLIE'S WINS

Willie has a proven track record of success. As your At- Large Somerville City Councilor for nearly four years, Willie has passed the most laws of any current City Councilor.
HOUSING STABILITY
⚫ collaborated with neighboring cities to end unfair broker fees statewide that cost renters thousands ⚫ passed a Tenants Know Your Rights law so every tenant gets clear info on their rights & resources, in their own language
⚫ made it easier for seniors & disabled residents to add accessibility features and stay in their homes ⚫ lowered housing costs by cutting unnecessary zoning rules

SMALL BUSINESSES
• saved small businesses thousands by cutting unfair licensing fees, helped local shops open their doors & stay open later
⚫ fought to bring new manufacturing jobs to East Somerville
INVEST IN YOUTH
⚫ collaborated with our School Committee to ensure LGBTQ-inclusive, consent-based sex ed in our schools
⚫ funded playground & schoolyard improvements at Kennedy & Brown Schools

SAFER STREETS
passed the Safe Streets Ordinance, which includes 30 miles of protected bike lanes by 2030, better sidewalks & crosswalks, & clearer communication on roadwork
⚫ increased enforcement for illegally parking in bus & bike lanes

UPHOLD OUR VALUES
⚫ reaffirmed Somerville as a sanctuary city to stand up to ICE
passed protections for polyamorous & LGBTQ+ families
⚫ honored our city's diverse history by naming Leonard Grimes Park after a Black abolitionist pastor, the first park in Somerville named after a person of color

"Thank you to everyone who helped make this experience so wonderful. Together, we've built this campaign as a reflection of Somerville."

Decisive, transparent, and communicative leadership.
With Willie as Mayor, together we can build
A SOMERVILLE FOR ALL.
IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE
⚫ launch citywide composting to reduce waste for rats
⚫ hold absentee landlords accountable for vacant properties
⚫ invest in supportive housing to connect unhoused people to services & install needle boxes for safety
⚫ establish an unarmed emergency response program for a non-police option to call when someone experiences crisis

HOUSING STABILITY
@
create an Office of Social Housing to build permanently affordable homes on City land
⚫ update zoning to allow more housing & density
⚫ simplify permitting so homeowners can renovate more easily

SUPPORT WORKING FAMILIES
•
·
prioritize rebuilding the Winter Hill School with extra space for emergencies
expand before & after school programs for kids & working parents
⚫ make schools true community hubs with wraparound services & cultural events
BUILD A FIGHTING SOMERVILLE • make City Hall more responsive by speeding up inspections, small business permitting, & road repairs
• protect immigrant neighbors by mailing "Know Your Rights" guides in multiple languages to defend against ICE
⚫ create neighborhood councils in Magoun, Teele, & Ball Square

UPLIFT LOCAL ARTISTS
⚫add $200k a year in grants for murals, performances, & preserving venues
⚫ establish an Arts Liaison to connect artists with
resources & support
connect artists with small businesses to
perform, sell, & showcase their work

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Boston DSA @bostondsa.org · Sep 10

Our endorsed candidate Marcos Candido WON the prelim! Even outspent 15:1, people power carried the day. Marcos's campaign knocked on every door in his district multiple times over and toppled an incumbent with our support. Let’s do it again in November — chip in today!

Marcos Wins!
(Photo of Marcos)

Lowell District City Council District 8 Preliminary!

Boston Democratic Socialists of America

Thanks to all who voted
Marcos Placed 1st!
Together we can build a better Lowell for everyone!

Let's do it again November 4

Join us!
bdsa.us/donate-to-marcos
marcos4council.com

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Boston DSA @bostondsa.org · Sep 4

Last year, @willieburnleyjr.bsky.social and @votejivan.bsky.social passed home rule petitions in Somerville & Cambridge and, collaborating with other municipal & statewide electeds, pushed our legislature and governor to ban forced brokers’ fees-Now tthey’re working to lift the ban on rent control.

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Boston DSA @bostondsa.org · Aug 27

Boston DSA and @merrimackdsa.bsky.social are happy to announce our endorsement of Marcos Candido for Lowell City Council. Preliminary elections are September 9! Join us this Sunday for a canvass to build a better, more affordable Lowell: bdsa.us/canvass-for-...

Boston Democratic Socialists of America endorses Marcos Candido for Lowell City Council District 8

BDSA and Merrimack Valley DSA are proud to endorse Marcos Candido for Lowell City Council. Marcos is committed to being a strong democratic socialist voice north of Boston, breaking with the Council's complacency and obstruction and instead championing a transformation of housing, immigrant rights, and urban planning.

Growing up in an under-resourced city as a son of immigrants, and as a former NIH researcher and union organizer, Marcos understands the struggles of working families. He is committed to taking on the housing crisis driven by the real estate industry and improving public transit and accessible infrastructure in Lowell.

While the current Lowell City Council has cut funds for education and public health to increase the police budget, Marcos has a plan to build affordable housing, fully fund public schools, improve public transit, and guarantee transparency at Lowell City Hall.

Join us!
bdsa.us/canvass-for-marcos
bdsa.us/donate-to-marcos
linktr.ee/marcosforcitycouncil

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Boston DSA @bostondsa.org · Aug 27

Boston DSA is extremely proud to endorse Ayah's campaign for a dignified and affordable Cambridge for all! #cambMA #MAPoli

Ayah Al-Zubi (she/her) @votealzubi.com · Aug 27

Cambridge is one of the most progressive cities in America. Yet residents are crushed by housing costs, groceries, childcare.

That’s why our campaign is here: to make our city dignified and affordable for all.

Join the movement: votealzubi.com

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Boston DSA @bostondsa.org · Jul 7

Follow us on Tiktok & check out our latest vid! Let’s get @willieburnleyjr.bsky.social elected in Somerville!
www.tiktok.com/@boston_dsa/...

You heard it from our co-chair Tefa — Zohran shook up NYC. Now it’s Somerville’s turn. Let’s get Willie elected 🔥 #dsa #willieforsomerville #somerville

TikTok video by Boston DSA

www.tiktok.com

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Boston DSA @bostondsa.org · Jul 5

We cannot build an alternative alone. Join us: dsausa.us/join

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Boston DSA @bostondsa.org · Jul 3

We make the community by defending it: Join the Emergency Tenant Organizing Committee in its first organizing training on Monday, July 7.

Boston DSA Housing Working Group to Launch Boston-Area Emergency Tenant Organizing Committee

In June 2025, the Boston DSA Housing Working Group voted to initiate a Boston-area Emergency Tenant Organizing Committee.

The national Emergency Tenant Organizing Committee (ETOC) trained nearly 300 tenants and contributed to the formation of 8 tenant unions from 2023 to 2025

Local area ETOCs can coordinate with national DSA for model trainings, cross-train organizers to fight in their workplace as well as their home, and language justice programs.

We are launching an Emergency Tenant Organizing Committee (ETOC) for Boston where tenants most need it:

The average Bostonian spends 47% of income on housing

65% of Boston homes are rented by tenants with one of the lowest vacancy rates nationwide.

Predominantly Black and brown neighborhoods have been hit by an eviction crisis.

Tenant organizing directly equips tenants to protect their neighbors from ICE when ICE strikes.

ETOC will work to organize tenants in neighborhoods across Boston to train tenants to become organizers of our own neighbors.

We make the community by defending it.

Join ETOC in its first tenant organizing training, in Allston-Brighton

Monday, July 7 6:30 PM
Presentation School Foundation,
640 Washington St, Brighton

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Boston DSA @bostondsa.org · Jun 30

Join Boston DSA on July 2 for a free screening of "The City of Sensitive Frauds," a documentary on gentrification and community resistance, featuring a discussion panel with the producers. RSVP here: actionnetwork.org/events/the-c...

The City of Sensitive Frauds & Discussion with the Producers/Local orgs
Date: July 2, 2025 Doors: 5:30 PM Screening: 6 PM Discussion Panel: 7:10 PM-8 PM. Location: The Foundry 101 Rogers St Cambridge, MA

Poster for "Bay Area Gentrification Documentary- The City of Sensitive Frauds" by Mario Riveira and Abraham Woodliff with the caption "...in a city ravaged by greedy nerds..."

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Reposted by Boston DSA

Willie Burnley Jr 🌹 @willieburnleyjr.bsky.social · Jun 27

@zohrankmamdani.bsky.social ran an incredible campaign in NYC & did @socialists.nyc proud! @bostondsa.org also has the opportunity to elect a young, BIPOC mayor fighting for working people, renters, people of color, and queer folks. If you want to help, go to linktr.ee/WillieforSomerville

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Boston DSA @bostondsa.org · Apr 15

We won this round of the fight to save Spaulding shelter, but it’s not over yet. Join us in telling the Cambridge City Council and City Manager to support their neighbors! bdsa.us/SaveSpaulding

COMMUNITY PRESSURE OPENS DOOR TO KEEP SPAULDING SHELTER FUNDED

bdsa.us/savespaulding

After hearing from dozens of shelter residents, DSA members, and allies in the community over the past two months about the importance of the Transition Wellness Center at Spaulding Hospital, the Cambridge City Council voted 5-4 to consider keeping the shelter open.

This is a good first step, but it’s far from saving Spaulding.
The Council will consider recommending to fund the shelter alongside several other priorities, and the unelected City Manager maintains significant budgetary power. We need to keep the pressure on!

Tell the city to support our neighbors at bdsa.us/savespaulding

“The residents of TWC are our neighbors and community members. You’ve heard about what TWC means to them, the difference it has made in their lives. You should fund this center because you will be continuing to invest in our community. The support they have received like medical support, meals, and privacy makes a significant difference as they navigate their lives.”
-—AYAH AL-ZUBI, CAMBRIDGE DSA CO-CHAIR | bdsa.us/SaveSpaulding

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Boston DSA @bostondsa.org · Apr 13

State House legislators have weaponized procedure to avoid going on the record defending the rights of trans youth. Massachusetts DSA chapters jointly condemn this flagrant abandonment of some of our communities' most vulnerable.

MASSACHUSETTS DSA CHAPTERS CONDEMN ANTI-TRANS STATE HOUSE

PROTECT TRANS KIDS

On Wednesday, the Democratic Party-controlled Massachusetts House passed language introduced with the intent to ban trans youth from public school sports. While House Democrats will say they killed the proposal by sending it to study, the message is clear: the Democratic Party is not willing to stand up for trans youth. They had the option to vote this hateful ban down, but House leadership chose to dodge an affirmative vote that would put them on the record supporting trans youth in school sports.

We, the undersigned Massachusetts chapters of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), strongly condemn this latest betrayal by the Democratic Party. This backstabbing underscores the undemocratic and opaque nature of the Massachusetts House, where the rights of marginalized youth are being stripped without the votes of their supposed representatives on this issue being made public.

We will continue to loudly and unapologetically fight for trans rights. We are proud of our work to help pass Trans and Nonbinary Sanctuary City policies, which commit these cities to not cooperate with federal or state anti-trans policies. We will continue to organize in our communities, schools, and workplaces to fight for trans inclusion and liberation.

Berkshires DSA
Boston DSA
Cape Cod DSA
River Valley DSA
Worcester DSA

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Reposted by Boston DSA

siobhan @siobhan-m.bsky.social · Apr 13

Boston University has banned their @ydsa.org chapter, ostensibly because of posting unauthorized flyers and holding a sit in *outside* of the Dean of Students Office.

(per statement from YDSAatBU on IG, 1/3)

BU YDSA HAS BEEN BANNED
-ydsa
BOSTON UNIVERSITY IS REPRESSING
STUDENT GROUPS
SWIPE FOR OUR STATEMENT -

ON APRIL 11, YDSA EBOARD RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM SAO STATING THAT BU YDSA IS NOW SUSPENDED.
Dear YDSA leadership,
The Student Activities Office (SAO) has received reports outlining potential violations of university policy by members of the Young Democratic Socialists BU chapter, as follows:
• On behalf of YDSA, individuals posted fliers advertising the April 3, 2025, walkout throughout campus property in locations not approved for posting using adhesive (captured in photographs).
• On behalf of YDSA, individuals posted fliers advertising the April 3, 2025, walkout at off-campus locations, including bus stations and United States Postal Service relay boxes using adhesive (captured in photographs).
• The April 3, 2025, walkout evolved into an unauthorized sit-in outside of the Dean of Students Office. Participants banged on walls, attempted to gain access through a locked door using intimidating tactics, disrupted university business, and left adhesive stickers and signs throughout Stone Lobby, requiring significant clean-up by the Facilities team.
Individuals not affiliated with your protest felt unable to move freely around the occupied
Effective immediately, YDSA is suspended as an active organization at Boston University. This suspension will conclude on December 31, 2025, unless your organization fails to adhere to the terms of suspension. During this suspension:
• YDSA may not host, promote, or co-sponsor programs, demonstrations or meetings effective immediately. All scheduled events must be canceled.
• YDSA may not reserve or access any campus spaces, including the CGSA office or gather or utilize any outside space on campus where demonstrations are normally permitted under
the Events and Demonstration Policy. Any groups that provide YDSA with access to reservations will also face disciplinary action.
• YDSA may not receive funding from university departments or the Allocations Board.
• YDSA financial accounts in the business office are frozen until reinstatem…

"ON BEHALF OF YDSA,
INDIVIDUALS POSTED FLIERS...
"
THE UNIVERSITY IS PUNISHING YDSA BECAUSE "INDIVIDUALS"
NOT SANCTIONED BY YDSA
POSTED FLIERS "ON OUR BEHALF."
IF THIS IS CAUSE FOR
SUSPENSION, WHAT PREVENTS THE TARGETING OF ANY CLUB BY POSTING FLYERS UNDER THEIR NAME?
"THE APRIL 3, 2025, WALKOUT EVOLVED INTO AN
UNAUTHORIZED SIT-IN..."
THE UNIVERSITY IS PUNISHING YDSA FOR A SIT-IN THEY REFUSE TO CLAIM YDSA PARTICIPATED IN, PLANNED, OR LED. ARE WE BEING PUNISHED FOR NOT PREVENTING ANOTHER GROUP FROM LEADING A SIT-IN?
WALKOUT FOR A SANCTUARY CAMPUS
NO SURVETLANCE
DIO BEVIENTIORI
NO DEPORTATION
POLIC
THURS. APRIL 3RD - 3PM
MARSH PLAZA
IS THIS REALLY HOW THE UNIVERSITY MAKES DECISIONS REGARDING STUDENT CLUBS?

[image of flyer]

NO, THE REASON WE ARE BEING SUSPENDED IS BECAUSE OF OUR VOCAL OPPOSITION TO THE UNIVERSITY. CLEARLY OUR SANCTUARY CAMPUS CAMPAIGN HAS STRUCK A CHORD WITH ADMIN.
THESE VIOLATIONS ARE CLEARLY PHONY PRETEXTS. THE UNIVERSITY WANTS TO SILENCE YDSA, AND IS BENDING THEIR OWN RULES AS THEY GO ALONG IN ORDER TO REPRESS US.

[image of protest]

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Boston DSA @bostondsa.org · Mar 27

Only collective action can protect working-class communities and the rights of our immigrant neighbors -- join us in the struggle🌹 dsausa.org/join

We must stand with students abducted by Trump's ICE Gestapo

YESTERDAY, ICE AGENTS ABDUCTED RUMEYSA OZTURK, A GRADUATE STUDENT AND PRO-PALESTINE ACTIVIST AT TUFTS.

The kidnapping comes after almost 400 ICE arrests in Massachusetts, as well as the doxxing of Ozturk by the pro-Israel website Canary Mission.

ICE’s abductions – of Ozturk, Khalil, and many others – is an unprecedented attack on basic civil rights in the name of U.S. Empire, whether those detained are peaceful political activists or undocumented migrants seeking safety, jobs, and a better life.

We must stand up against this brazen attack on Palestine, free speech, and the right to protest.

We must stand in solidarity with our neighbors and communities under attack from Trump, ICE, and all agents of imperialism.

GOVERNOR HEALEY, THE COURTS, AND THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY ESTABLISHMENT ARE NOT COMING TO SAVE US — WE MUST MOBILIZE, AGITATE, AND ORGANIZE IN OUR WORKPLACES AND CAMPUSES TO DEFEND WORKING-CLASS RIGHTS.

IN SOLIDARITY

BERKSHIRES DSA
BOSTON DSA
BOSTON UNIVERSITY YDSA
CAPE COD DSA
CONNECTICUT DSA
MAINE DSA
NORTHEASTERN YDSA
RHODE ISLAND DSA
RIVER VALLEY DSA
SIMMONS YDSA
SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE DSA
UPPER VALLEY DSA
WORCESTER DSA

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Boston DSA @bostondsa.org · Mar 26

Stand with our community and stand in solidarity with Rumeysa Ozturk! Emergency rally today at 5:30 PM in Powder House Square Park

Working Mass @dsaworkingmass.bsky.social · Mar 26

BREAKING: The Trump Administration has abducted a Tufts PhD student alongside a multi-day ICE raid detaining 370 people in Massachusetts.

This is a developing story.

working-mass.com/2025/03/26/t...

Image shows emergency rally flyer to show up for rumeysa at 5:30pm on March 26

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Boston DSA @bostondsa.org · Mar 18

Boston DSA helped leverage community pressure to stop your Cambridge tax dollars funding new guns for cops. If you'd like to help build a more solidaristic city, sign our petition and join Boston DSA.

bdsa.us/peoplenotstockpiles
bdsa.us/join

CAMBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL VOTES 7-2 AGAINST NEW GUNS FOR COPS

CAMBRIDGE’S UNELECTED CITY MANAGER PROPOSED PAYING $570,000 OF OUR CITY’S MONEY FOR CAMBRIDGE POLICE TO GET ALL NEW GUNS.

OUR ANSWER WAS CLEAR: NO NEW GUNS FOR COPS, INVEST IN OUR COMMUNITIES INSTEAD!

AFTER DECISIVE COMMUNITY PRESSURE, THE COUNCIL VOTED 7-2 TO DELAY THE PURCHASE.

TELL THEM TO FUND OUR COMMUNITY INSTEAD! bdsa.us/peoplenotstockpiles

“nearly half of people killed by law enforcement had a disability. Society pushes disabled people and their careGIVERS to the margins, yet instead of responding with disability justice and accommodations, this proposal is investing more into policing at the cost of all of these other programs.”
-— Evan MacKay, Fomer DSA candidate for State Representative

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Boston DSA @bostondsa.org · Mar 17

No new guns for Cambridge PD! Join us at City Hall at 5:30pm to tell the Council to use money for the Transition Wellness Center instead. Learn more and sign up at bdsa.us/NoNewGuns

CAMBRIDGE CITY MANAGER YI-AN HUANG WANTS TO GIVE THE POLICE $570,000 TO BUY NEW GUNS

CAMBRIDGE’S UNELECTED CITY MANAGER, YI-AN HUANG, HAS PROPOSED SPENDING $570,000 OF THE CITY’S FREE CASH ON NEW GUNS FOR CAMBRIDGE PD.

THIS COMES TWO YEARS AFTER CAMBRIDGE PD SHOT AND KILLED SAYED FAISAL, A 20-YEAR-OLD UMASS BOSTON STUDENT, DURING A MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCY.

A JUDGE RULED LIAM MCMAHON, THE OFFICER RESPONSIBLE FOR FAISAL’S MURDER, WAS JUSTIFIED IN SHOOTING HIM SIX TIMES.

WE DEMAND JUSTICE FOR FAISAL AND AN END TO POLICE MILITARIZATION!

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Boston DSA @bostondsa.org · Mar 16

Join the fight against fascism and for the rights of immigrants!

Join DSA and YDSA's national sanctuary campus campaign: dsausa.us/ydsa318

Join Boston DSA's campaign for immigrant rights in our communities and unions: bdsa.us/iiwg

ICE DETAINS GREEN CARD, H1-B VISA HOLDERS WITHOUT CAUSE AT BOSTON LOGAN AIRPORT

ON FRIDAY, ICE DETAINED AND TORTURED A NEW HAMPSHIRE MAN WHO HAS HELD A GREEN CARD FOR ALMOST TWENTY YEARS. ON SATURDAY, WE LEARNED ICE ALSO DETAINED, AND PLANS TO DEPORT, A BROWN UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR WITH AN H1-B VISA. TRUMP IS USING IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT AS A THIN PRETEXT TO ATTACK HIS POLITICAL OPPONENTS AND FREEDOM OF SPEECH.

ON CAMPUS
ICE DETAINED TWO PRO-PALESTINE COLUMBIA STUDENTS, INCLUDING MAHMOUD KHALIL, WITH THE UNIVERSITY’S SUPPORT.

THEN, COLUMBIA EXPELLED THE JEWISH PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY’S GRAD STUDENT UNION, CLAIMING HE WAS INVOLVED IN CAMPUS PRO-PALESTINE PROTESTS.

FIGHT BACK.

DSA AND YDSA ARE ORGANIZING A NATIONAL SANCTUARY CAMPUS CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT IMMIGRANTS AND FREEDOM OF SPEECH. JOIN THE MASS CALL AT DSAUSA.US/YDSA318

BOSTON DSA IS ORGANIZING A CAMPAIGN FOR IMMIGRANT RIGHTS IN OUR COMMUNITIES AND UNIONS. JOIN OUR WORK AT BDSA.US/IIWG

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Reposted by Boston DSA

siobhan @siobhan-m.bsky.social · Mar 4

last night, i spoke in support of the trans sanctuary city order that passed the cambridge city council 9-0. there’s still so much work to do, but these protections will help keep our community safe.

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Boston DSA @bostondsa.org · Mar 4

Boston DSA celebrates victories for transgender rights in the US Senate and in the Cambridge City Council. Join the fight: bdsa.us/join

BOSTON DSA CELEBRATES TRANSGENDER RIGHTS WINS IN U.S SENATE AND CAMBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL

Last night saw two victories for trans rights and DSA, as the U.S. Senate blocked S9, a bill to remove protections for trans people in education and healthcare, and the Cambridge City Council voted unanimously for a policy order to make Cambridge a Sanctuary City for transgender and nonbinary people.

DSA members worked hard for both of these results. DSA’s Trans Rights and Bodily Autonomy campaign has been organizing opposition to the bill since Republicans introduced it in the House in January. DSA’s messaging against S9 was clear on the stakes: it would have required genital inspections for participation in youth sports, endangered trans students in school, and opened the door to discrimination by health insurance companies. Public pressure helped ensure that no Democrats voted for S9.

Boston DSA’s efforts in Cambridge were also central to victory. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, who was elected with a BDSA endorsement in 2023, co-sponsored the Sanctuary City policy order, which prohibits the city from complying with anti-trans federal or state policies. Several BDSA members spoke in favor of the Sanctuary City policy, including Evan MacKay, a member of the Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission and recent candidate for the 26th Middlesex District’s State Representative.

While the Sanctuary City policy order says Cambridge “will take active steps to ensure that transgender and gender diverse individuals have access to… housing,” DSA members and other community members highlighted the disconnect between this text and the city’s recent reveal that it plans to close the Transition Wellness Center (TWC), a lifeline for LGBTQ+ people and others who cannot find stable housing. Housing justice is an LGBTQ+ rights issue, as nearly one in six queer or trans Americans has experienced homelessness. The TWC, as a non-congregate shelter, is the safest option available for many of our neighbors. BDSA urges the City Council to pressure the unelected City Manager for a plan to keep the TWC open and funded. Community members should contact the City Council in support of the TWC at citycouncil@cambridgema.gov.

DSA is proud of our unwavering support for trans rights. We will continue to fight in Cambridge and across the country to beat back efforts to harm our trans and nonbinary friends, neighbors, and loved ones.

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