The California Faculty Association (CFA) went on strike for approximately 12 hours today on the CSU East Bay campus, using several determined yet peaceful tactics to get their message across for rights many said were long overdue.

Hoping for a change in education due to severe budget cuts, labor disputes and a lack of university leadership, hundreds of faculty protesters lined the driveways of Harder Road and Carlos Bee Blvd., picketing and chanting their discontent with the current economic state.

Chants such as “We are, we teach, the 99 percent,” “Hey, hey, ho, ho! Chancellor Reed has got to go!” and “Fewer classes, higher fees, the CSU is run by thieves!” among others could be heard throughout the CSU East Bay campus Thursday.

Students, as well as faculty members from other CSU’s including San Jose, San Francisco and Sacramento State Universities rallied together to support one another and protest for what they felt should be a priority in the state of California.

“[We are here today because] the chancellor did not deliver on the promise of paying us,” said City of Hayward Councilman Mark Salinas, and lecturer at CSUEB.

“Here we are with two advanced degrees–we did everything that we were supposed to do, and now the Chancellor is not delivering on what he’s supposed to do. And for me that’s what it’s about,” he said.

The primary complaint and purpose for the strike centers on the 2008-2010 contracts as faculty members who earn between $55,000 and $80,000 were promised a five percent raise.

According to the CSU system, the raises would cost an estimated $20 million the first year, and due to the current economic woes, this promise was left unfilled.

For many CFA members, the broken promise over salary increases has become a sign of the lack of emphasis on education in California.

“Let’s be loud, let’s be proud, let’s show them we know what free speech is about, and let’s change the state of California for the better,” said State Sen. Loni Hancock (D-Alameda).

Music, dance and chants led to the long-awaited presentation by political and civil rights activist Dr. Cornell West.

“I am just so blessed, honored and privileged to be here, because for me it is sublime to see people stand up for something bigger than them, something like justice,” said West. “When I look in the eyes of each and every one of you I say no, these folks are concerned about justice, they are concerned about fairness and they say we are tired of the warped priorities.”

Many students who joined their teachers and professors with signs, drums and noisemakers said they stood in solidarity with the people who worked everyday to ensure they receive the best education possible.

Budget cuts, class cutbacks and rising student fees have been pushing forces for the student and faculty protesters.

An additional nine percent tuition increase, approved by CSU trustees Wednesday, which will go into effect Fall 2012, protesters say further threatens the state of public higher education in California to becoming privatized.

“I fully support the movement,” said DAnna Villagomet, CSUEB student. “Tuition has increased 20 percent since I’ve been here. I support our teachers here and want to help their voices be heard.”

Many CSUEB students and faculty who did not participate in the strike nor agree with it expressed their frustration with not being able to get to their classes or simply drive up the hill, as protesters blocked the main entrance way to campus.

Yet, the strike Thursday, many expressed, was a historical moment for education and a day, which will hopefully garner change in the CSU and UC systems.

“My solidarity comes from how the CSU system is structured, which caters to the privileged and excludes those who are marginalized,” said Anthonly Millan, prospective CSUEB student. “There’s an exclusion of marginalized groups from higher education and I believe it has a lot to do with who obtains political prestige in our society.

“I really don’t think there’s anyone who’s going to change their mind right away about this, but the fact that there’s people here and all over the world occupying, there’s a possibility for us to change minds,” said Millan.

Gilbert C. Anton & Anne Bartlett Contributed to this report.
Photos by Justin Kernes