POWER TO THE PEOPLE

"In 1968 and 1969 the Black Student Union, Third World Liberation Front, select staff and faculty, and members from the larger Bay Area community, organized and lead a series of actions against systematic discrimination. Protestors spoke out against lack of access, misrepresentation, and the overall negelect of indigenous peoples and people of color within the university's curriculum and programs. Their specific demands included the establishment of four departments - , American Indian Studies, Asian American Studies, Black Studies, and La Raza Studies within a College of Ethnic Studies. These demands reflected a respect for the diverse intellectual traditions and cultural expressions of scholars, activists, and artists of color and indigenous people throughout the United States." - taken directly from the SFSU website

if you weren't already aware, there has been a recent outrage amongst students and faculty, do to the talk of possible budget cuts from our College of Ethnic Studies. about 40% will be cut from operating budgets, and a lot of teachers could possibly lose their jobs as well. if you'd like more details, check out these news articles:

http://www.sfexaminer.com/sfsus-college-ethnic-studies-faces-possible-cuts/
http://ww2.kqed.org/news/2016/02/24/s-f-states-historic-ethnic-studies-college-may-have-to-cut-courses-faculty

i'm very lucky to be attending a school that is so progressive and diverse in its programs and academics. in fact, SFSU was the very first campus to establish such a department that offers courses that are rich in the experiences of American Indians, Asian Americans, Black and Latina/Latinos. we offer classes such as Asian American Studies, Africana Studies, Latina/Latino Studies, American Indian Studies, and Race and Resistance Studies- with over 175 courses to meet the needs of our crowded population. the curriculum itself is unique and gives people the voice that can be heard from miles away. i myself, am taking an Intro to Africana Studies and would be devastated to see my professor, and others, as well, lose their job. especially when ethnic provides such wonderful resources and opportunities for people of color. 

it's so wonderful to have witnessed so much passion amongst my campus. i couldn't believe how many people i could see striking throughout the campus, and the many that attended the rally to defend Ethnic Studies. this type of behavior truly gives me hope for the future and the kind of environment i'm living in.

don't be silent. speak out! protest! take action! do whatever you can to help!
power to the people