Adapted from an email by Joe Klein to Anthropology colleagues
Some news and updates from the first day of the strike:
Today, several hundred of graduate students, undergraduate students, faculty, lecturers, staff, and others rallied at both entrances to UCSC’s main campus, and joint actions were happening at 5 other UC campuses. The UCSC picket line was successful in disrupting all metro bus service to campus throughout the morning. Then, in a brilliant burst of energy, a huge group of faculty wearing regalia and carrying signs and banners marched through the street to the picket line down from the Women’s Center. This amazing burst of energy gave strikers the numbers and courage to join their faculty in the streets, and to shut down the main entrance to campus. Strikers took and held the entrance to campus, and eventually took over the entire intersection of Bay and High.
However, after most faculty had left, the response by UCSC police became aggressive and violent. Throughout the morning, there were dozens of UC police officers present at both entrances, brought in (with UCSC money) from across the Bay Area, attempting to intimidate and provoke strikers.
By the afternoon, the police had barricaded surrounding streets to prevent cars from driving near the picket. A young woman drove past the barricade to deliver water to the strikers, and upon arrival at the picket, was arrested by the approximately 30 UC police and CHP officers stationed at the base of campus. Strikers linked arms in nonviolent protest of this absurd arrest, and the police charged through the crowd in formation, batons out. Several UCSC students were beaten with batons; at least one student ended up at the Health Center after being hit on the head. In their words, “after getting beaten by three officers I went to the health center and I have a concussion and strained neck/back/shoulder.”
After this incident, police retreated and students continued to hold the intersection, initiating meetings, rallies, and dancing. We ended the day at about 5pm with a big general assembly.
So far there is only silence from the administration. So tomorrow the strike continues!
Some ideas of things to do:
- Come to the picket line in the morning, with as many friends and colleagues as possible, as early as you can. It begins at 7:30. In particular, visible faculty presence seems to deter police aggression.
- Write our administration and tell them how you feel about students being beaten by bussed-in police.
- Cancel your classes and sections due to the ongoing strike if you feel able.
- Inform your undergraduate students that attendance to class is flexible due to the strike.
- For faculty, change your email signatures to indicate that you teach and advise severely rent burdened students.
Thank you all for your support, and special thanks to our faculty who showed up to join us on the picket today. We are so grateful! See you tomorrow!