University students address the growing issue of income inequality

By Johnathan Hutton

Students from the University of Windsor participated in a model United Nations council at the university in Windsor on February 9.

The debate, which featured three University of Windsor professors, and over 100 students aimed to raise interest in income inequality among students, and address social and economic issues in the region.

“Income inequality is a big concern for younger generations,” said Jamey Essex.“ In Windsor and Essex County it’s pretty bad, but it’s a problem anywhere,”

According to a report called “The Rich and The Rest of Us” published by Pathway to Potential, there has been a significant increase in income inequality in Windsor since 2010. The wealthiest one per cent of Windsorites has seen a 21 per cent increase in income, while the average resident has seen a decrease of three per cent.

The organization also published a report called “Reality Check” that says one in 10 Windsorites currently live in poverty.

“Income inequality is not simply a difference in the amount of money people have access to, it’s a problem in terms of complete access to resources and opportunities that make life worth living,” said professor of political sciences Andrew Richter. “Currently, one small group of people control extreme amounts of wealth and resources while the majority of people are struggling just to get by.”

Since 2010, the wealthy one per cent of Windsorites has seen an average income of nearly $ 300,000 while 90 per cent of Windsorites live off close to $29,000.

Eric Hubberstey is the director of marketing of the Model UN and is also a student at the university.  He said the growing gap in income between the upper and lower classes has had a huge impact on students financially and psychologically.

“Here at the university, a lot of people are in the lower to middle class range of society,” said Hubberstey. “Students are more worried about whether they can pay for their tuition than what their grades are. Many students have to apply for grants and OSAP just to attend school.”

Richter ended the debate with a message to students.

“Income inequality is the contradiction of the very nature of a free society, and our city is ground zero for the widening equalities of the world,” he said.

The Model U.N. holds weekly meetings on Monday and Thursdays to address current global issues. It is open to Windsor residents and students who are interested in learning more about the UN and the issues it faces. For more information visit the Model UN’s website www.winmun.ca.