V-Day Die-In

ADAP is a program that allows individual states and the federal government to offer medications to low-income, uninsured, and underinsured HIV positive individuals. Since February this year the wait list for these services has reached an astounding 6,235. The statement of action passed around at during the event stated that lack of treatment puts people living with AIDS at risk of “treatment resistance and opportunistic infection”.  Students wrote, “If we do not die in symbolically, others will die for real. So, today we die in but we also stand up.”

The die-in was organized to be a highly visible demonstration that would also remain peaceful and respectful. Through public action, students hope to encourage their New School peers to join the group in a larger protest at New York Senator Charles  Schumer’s office. On the Facebook event page for the die-in, the group proclaims: “We want NY Senator Schumer to know that he has the power to advocate for more funding for ADAP”. They encourage fellow students to support their cause by meeting with senators and informing them about the die-in and concerns with the lack of ADAP funds, and writing op-eds about ADAP entitlement programs for local newspapers.