ACADEMIC SENATE RESOUTION

#RF11-294

RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF NON-VIOLENT PROTEST ON

CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE CAMPUSES

WHEREAS     The freedoms of assembly and expression are basic human rights and the values of criticism and debate are fundamental to a culture of teaching, learning, and scholarship; and

WHEREAS     Open and democratic societies depend on universities and colleges to protect and promote free speech and expression; and

WHEREAS     On November 9, 2011, campus security at the University of California, Berkeley, violently assaulted students and faculty who were peacefully protesting on campus; and

WHEREAS     On November 18, 2011, campus security at the University of California, Davis, violently assaulted nonviolent, protesting students with pepper spray, injuring some and sending others to the hospital;  and

WHEREAS     On December 1, 2011, students representing Occupy SFSU were able to meet publicly, peacefully and safely with President Robert A. Corrigan and other administrators to discuss their concerns;

NOW THERFORE BE IT

RESOLVED   That the Academic Senate of San Francisco State University condemn assaults on students, faculty, and on fundamental freedoms and academic values; and be it further

RESOLVED   That the Academic Senate of San Francisco State University commend the students, administrators and police of San Francisco State University for providing a safe and mutually respectful atmosphere for the conduct of non-violent protest on our campus and for serving as a model for all other campuses; and be it further

RESOLVED   That the Academic Senate of San Francisco State University renew our commitment to the principle that university and college students have the right to speak and assemble freely at our universities and colleges so long as their actions are not violent and do not inordinately disrupt the university’s functions; and be it further

RESOLVED   That the Academic Senate of San Francisco State University expect that all administrations be held accountable for their transgressions against the fundamental right of students and faculty to engage in non-violent protest on campus; and be it further

RESOLVED   That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Academic Senate, University of California, and the Academic Senate, California State University.

***Approved by the Academic Senate at its Meeting on December 6, 2011 ***