Student Activist from Euromaidan Protests to Speak March 3

Slavka Kutsay, a graduate student from the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, will present "Stories of Student Activism from Ukraine: Euromaidan Rising" on Monday, March 3, at 7:30 p.m. in the Campbell Student Union Social Hall. Kutsay will describe her experience as a student activist and peaceful protester during this time of turmoil.

The Euromaidan protests began in Kiev in November 2013, with public demonstrations to demand closer European integration. Over ensuing weeks, the protests continued and began to include calls for the resignation of President Viktor Yanukovych and his government. Held routinely in sub-zero temperatures and heavily documented by the media and online, the demonstrations included protestors from all walks of life. Ultimately, protestors were met with military resistance, and more than 100 people have been killed. Although in the international spotlight, the area is still in turmoil and unrest continues. 

This period in Ukraine is being seen as a revolution that may have a significant impact on the future of Eastern Europe and beyond. Kutsay’s experience is a unique one.

“Even though we had such terrible losses, it is a great inspiration for people to get out of their houses and take part in this revolution,” said Kutsay. “Now the people understand that all of them can make a small contribution to this—they can share their food, or make a Facebook page, or Twitter post and make a difference. This has united thousands who had felt hopeless.”

This free event is open to the public and is being sponsored by the Grant Allocation Committee, the Faculty-Student Association Founders Fund, the Higher Education Administration Department, the Graduate Association of Student Personnel Administrators, the School of the Professions, the Student Life Office, University College, the Women and Gender Studies Program, and the International and Exchange Programs Office.