It's discouraging to learn about the difficulties that graduate students are facing. However, the unionization initiatives at Stanford are following successful campaigns at other universities, which offers hope that progress can be made. We must recognize that all workers, especially those who contribute greatly to the university's teaching and research mission, deserve basic necessities. [Portion removed.] If successful, this effort could potentially represent the largest bargaining unit at a private university in the country and significantly enhance the lives of graduate student workers at Stanford. Just my opinion.