Save CCSF coalition organizes

Faculty and staff from the Save CCSF Coalition assembled Jan. 30 in Room 108 of Science Hall to plan their upcoming Feb. 6 community meeting at Mission Campus where they will discuss the coalition’s demands and points of unity.

Bob Price of the chemistry department led the meeting of about 25 members.

There were seven points of unity discussed and finalized at the meeting including “Reverse cuts to classes, programs, and compensation: Use Measure A funds as promised” and “Stop the misuse of accreditation to impose austerity.” “Austerity” is the professional and political term for budget cuts.

The group also created a list of demands that will eventually be presented to the Board of Trustees. These include retaining distinct diversity departments and eliminating unilateral pay cuts, furloughs, and layoffs.

During the meeting the group discussed the importance of reaching out to the students and why aligning with them is vital to the future of City College.

“There is not a lot of awareness among the students on the seriousness of the situation,” Bruce Neuburger of the non-credit ESL department said.

Bridging the gap between faculty and staff was also a key point of discussion. “Without the staff we will not succeed,” Department Chair of African American Studies Tarik Farrar said.

The Save CCSF Coalition will hold a rally at the Civic Center currently planned for March 15. The date and time of the rally will be finalized at the Feb. 6 meeting.

The coalition hopes to draw in more students, staff, faculty and members of the community at the Feb. 6 meeting to allow everyone the opportunity to have their voices heard.