Intersectionality as a Tool for Student Activism

I argue that we need an intersectional analysis of organizing in order to form a sustainable activist coalition that is capable of making demands of both the institution and the student body. I used Black Feminist theory to shape my work, both to contextualize and problematize my findings.
My research questions include: Does an intersectional framework enhance the work of student activists in their individual organizations? What are the different ways in which student activist leaders understand the role of the organization in a larger framework for social justice? In what ways can we use these findings to made recommendations for furthering the work of intersectionality? In what ways can we use these findings to forge strong coalitions with student activist organizations?
I prove that the accommodations of Stanford as an institution hinder radical student activism, limiting cross-community work and intersectional understanding. I suggest Stanford student activism could strengthen their political power and advance social justice by grounding collaborative efforts in intersectional frameworks. I argue that an intersectional framework is necessary for the advancement of a strong anti-oppression student movement. As community is the focus of my work, I conducted in-depth interviews with student activists, along with participant observation. The activists I engaged with guided my inquiry and ultimately dictated the direction of my findings. My research adds to the body of literature on intersectionality and social movements. I explore the process that activists go through when engaging in collaborative work with other organizations, outlining best methods for coalition building and strategic planning with the help of intersectional frameworks.