Via Kevin Wehr, President, CFA Capitol Chapter:

Colleagues,

Yesterday was amazing. Students, staff, and faculty filled the library quad in historic numbers at yesterday's rally; crowd estimates came in at about 1500 people. All major news outlets were there. Thank you to all who worked to make this an amazing event.

If that wasn't inspiring enough, students led a march around campus, ending at Sacramento Hall to present President Gonzalez with almost 1000 signatures to a petition calling on him to protect instruction in these terrible budgetary times. As you may know, the presidents of all the campuses were called to the Chancellor's Office yesterday for a meeting.

Unbeknownst to me, more than 200 students sat down and occupied Sacramento Hall. Administration buildings on 11 other campuses were similarly occupied by students.  A small group of faculty stayed with the students to support them and make sure that everything was calm and secure. Thankfull the students were peaceful and the police were very professional.

The students were inspiring. I watched as they spoke with several administrators, including the Provost and VP Mike Lee. None of them could reassure the students of some basic demands--that the President would meet with them to discuss the issues the students were raising.

The students were peaceful and respectful, but resolute. When it became clear that noone but the President could make any decisions or offer any assurances, the students decided to wait there in Sacramento Hall for the President to return. 18 students have occupied the building peacefully all night, patiently waiting for their demands to be met.

All this came as a shock to me, but I am proud of them for taking charge of their education and for standing up for what they believe in. They believe in the CSU. And I believe in them.

In solidarity,

Kevin Wehr

President, CFA Capitol Chapter

Assoc. Prof. of Sociology

CSU Sacramento