The CSI Chapter of the New York Public Interest Research Group, which calls on students at the College to recognize and advocate for ongoing social and economic issues, recently held its “Give Your Heart to a Cause” event.

NYPIRG is a statewide, student-directed, non-partisan organization that has a strong presence on campus, especially at events and Student Government meetings. The not-for-profit political organization has existed since 1973, inspired by political activist Ralph Nader who is an environmentalist and an advocate for consumer protection.

The event provided an opportunity for all students across the CSI campus to voice their concerns about issues like a fully funded CUNY, transportation, homelessness, healthcare, and other social and economic concerns. Different initiatives were highlighted by a group of student leaders who voiced their concerns about these topics to fellow students like themselves, with the hope of strengthening support for these issues.

One student concern on the CSI campus for the past few years has been the ongoing issues with the MTA, as well as the discontinuation of the campus Ferry Shuttle that goes to and from the Ferry terminal. Since the fall semester of 2024, students who come from other boroughs have had to take alternate routes from different parts of New York. Due to a vote among students, the Student Government decided the funds allocated to transportation on campus by the Student Activity Fee be allocated to different campus needs.

The Shuttle Bus was the most convenient way to get to campus, and since the change, students have voiced frustrations about the complicated and longer commute. Jackson Mushnick, a student advocate for the transportation issues on campus, is focused on improving transportation infrastructure, in his breakout meeting, he fielded questions and spoke to students about NYPIRG’s agenda on the matter.

I asked about the ongoing repairs of cracked streets, sidewalks and conditions of the bus stops around campus:

“We definitely want to improve transportation infrastructure, and build more access to transportation where it’s needed. It’s a matter of coordinating with different groups on campus, Student Government, and elected officials.”

Gloria Fero is a student activist for the homelessness and hunger initiative on campus. NYPIRG’s advocacy for a fully funded CUNY is showing students the cost of attending college, which includes student housing and food service. Fero explained that the results of a survey demonstrated that half of the students can’t afford the food services provided on campus.

“I actually wanted to get involved with the homelessness and hunger movement because I grew up privileged, having all of these products and food, and I don’t want to see people being deprived of these things because they are basic necessities,” she said.

Project Coordinator of NYPIRG Kirby Sikes spoke about the course of the student-directed research group, their success since being founded, and how strategy has changed with the political climate over the past 51 years.

She noted that since NYPIRG’s beginnings, “we’ve had a huge student base, but over time what’s grown is our organization’s institutional power. Originally, we were a scrappy bunch of students. We still have that energy but we now have a team of about 50 professional staff who organizes and builds that student power so we can take that power to the decision makers.”

NYPIRG’s continued effort since 1973 has been a benefit to college students and it is constantly looking for ways to improve campuses statewide. On February 26, NYPIRG students from CSI will be going to Albany to speak with state officials about the Higher Education Bill that seeks to secure more funding for schools. If you would like to get involved and help make changes on campus, visit the NYPIRG office or project coordinator Kirby Sikes in the Campus Center (Building 1C), Room 218.

By Kyle Cicero