A resolution against violence
Across California there will be a protest against the budget cuts in education. SF State’s faculty union, the California Faculty Association has made this resolution in support of non-violent protests.
Here’s an excerpt:
The executive board of the SF State chapter of CFA adopted the following statement on February 25th:
California Faculty Association (CFA), San Francisco State University Chapter shares in the anger and frustration of students, faculty and staff regarding budget cuts that are destroying public education. We believe that peaceful protest and civil disobedience are powerful forces for change in a democratic society, and we defend the rights of individuals and organizations to practice them. However, CFA does not support or condone violence in any form. We oppose any vandalism or destruction of property. We also oppose the excessive use of force by law enforcement. This is our university – students, faculty, staff, and the community – and such acts undermine efforts to protect San Francisco State from those who would dismantle it. We seek a university founded upon mutual respect, social justice and accountability.
The governor’s chief of staff acknowledged that last fall’s campus demonstrations pushed him to raise the amount of money he proposed for next year’s CSU budget. That pretty well tells us one of the things CSU needs: more large peaceful demonstrations for public education and services. Ultimately, it is the integrity of our position and actions rather than violence that promotes the establishment of a community which supports a long-term commitment to education and social justice.