HSU students voice solidarity with teachers
Times-Standard 3/22/07
Contemplating a “rolling strike” at the 23 California State University campuses if faculty and administration don't agree on contract terms, HSU students Emily Lord, an English sophomore, and Joy Broussard, a business, economics and dance major, both have parents who are teachers.
They said they've seen their parents deal with low wages and high responsibilities, and think teachers deserve better treatment.
”You're teaching us, the leaders of the next generation,” Broussard said. “How are you cutting teachers but hiring administrators and raising their salaries? If the faculty go on strike, it would show how much they're needed.”
Lord agreed. She said it is obvious that faculty members aren't listened to, and a strike would help their voices be heard.
”I think the administrators don't do half as much as the teachers, but they're cutting the professors who actually love learning,” she said. “This whole situation is ridiculous. The schools are losing a lot more than they think.”
Ariana Smeragliuolo, a social work freshman, said she supports a faculty strike in general, but is worried about raising salaries in the midst of fee increases.
”I only think they should get higher wages if we get all the classes we need,” Smeragliuolo said. “What's the point of paying for a teacher when you can't get into their class?”
Wildlife junior Jesse Sargent said he would support a strike, especially because the faculty members are trying not to disrupt students.
”A two-day rolling strike is only going to have a philosophical impact,” Sargent said. “It's a good cause.”
Renee Kemp, an English junior, said too many people have misconceptions about how much faculty get paid. She said it isn't enough, and they deserve an increase.
”I think it's a good way for faculty to show they're upset,” Kemp said.
Tan Williams, a kinesiology freshman, said he would support a faculty strike, but doesn't think the attention should be on faculty at all.
”Aren't you going to ask me about my experience at this school?” he said. “Every day I go to class and there are only two black people. They lure us up here and then they just abandon us.”
Williams said Humboldt County is a hard place for minorities to live, because there are no resources available.
”They can strike if they want,” he said. “But what about me? I've got nothing. When will you pay attention to that?”