Defending the University: A “Teach-In” on the Current Crisis

The University of California, Santa Barbara
Campbell Hall
October 14, 2009

This “teach-in” explores the origins and character of the current crisis at the University of California. It is both an educational and political event, designed to provide a progressive, alternative analysis of the budget crisis and a positive road forward for California, the UC system, and education at all levels in our state. We defend public higher education in the Golden State. We do not favor privatization of the University, austerity for the public schools, or furloughs, wage freezes, and fee hikes for staff, faculty, and students. We hope that the information and analysis generated by this teach-in will provide students, staff, faculty, and administrators with the weapons necessary to defend our university as it faces unprecedented attack.

2:30 p.m. Welcome from the Campbell Hall Steps

Reginald Archer, President, Graduate Student Association, UCSB

Jessie Bernal, Student Member of UC Regents

Amanda Wallner, Campus Democrats, UCSB

3:05 p.m. Student Voices

Erica Stenz, Exercise and Sports Studies Campaign

Nayra Pacheco, IDEAS (Improving Dreams, Equality, Access, & Success)

Joel Mardujano, Associated Students Legislative Council Representative

3:25 p.m. Meaning of the Teach-In

Dean David Marshall, UCSB

Nelson Lichtenstein, Professor of History, UCSB: Clark Kerr’s forgotten legacy (this presentation is now available on the Keep California’s Promise website)

3:40 p.m. The Crisis at the University of California

Chair: Michael Brown, UCSB, Gevirtz School of Education (invited)

Stan Glantz, Professor of Medicine, UC San Francisco, past chair of UC Committee on Planning and Budget: UC’s budget blunders

Robert Samuels, President, UC-American Federation of Teachers: Why the furloughs are unnecessary

Christine Petit, President, UAW Local 2865, (The union for TAs, readers and tutors): The teaching experience under stress

Robert Meister, Professor of Political Science, UC Santa Cruz, President, UC Faculty Associations: What is faculty governance?

5:30 p.m. California Politics: What Reforms Do We Need?

Chair: Aranye Fradenburg, Professor of English, UCSB

Lenny Goldberg, California Tax Reform Association 25

Ruth Gilmore, Professor of Ethnicity and Geography, University of Southern California: The Budget-draining prison complex

Kent Wong, Director, UCLA Labor Center: A “Dream Act” for
Undocumented students

Sharde Davis, UCSB: Stop rising fees!

7:00 p.m. Breakout Workshops and Panels at Various Locations on Campus.

A light dinner will be available outside of Campbell. See program for location of workshops and panels in nearby classroom buildings

8:30 p.m. Where Do We Go From Here?

Chair: Hannah Beth Jackson, former South Coast Assemblywoman

Janelle Mungo, Human Rights Coalition, UCSB: What students can do.

Loni Hancock, Chair, Elections, Reapportionment, and Constitutional Amendments Committee, California State Senate: Ending the Sacramento deadlock

George Lakoff, Professor of Linguistics, UC Berkeley: Framing the issues

Open Mike

For more information, contact Nelson N. Lichtenstein.