MONDAY, MAY 1ST

The governing board has decided to shut down the Cesar Chavez Student Center on Monday, May 1 in honor of “The Great Economic Boycott.” While the closure is in response to a cause many SF State students support, some are against the action, opposing the way their money is being used for a political move, and the closing of a fully functioning center.

What did the governing board decide?

In opposition to HR4437, the bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in December 2005, the governing board and Associated Students, Inc. calls for the closure of the entire SF State community as an act of solidarity with the San Francisco immigrant community.

How are the students involved?

Students pay $62 each semester for a student center fee. With 28,950 registered students on campus last fall, almost $1.8 million was generated from student tuition to run the center. According to estimates by Leigh Wolf, the SF State College Republicans press information officer, student funds total to about $20,000 for the day, or $1,100 per hour to operate the building.

Where does the governing board stand?

In an effort to recognize the immigrant community at SF State, the board is against any bill that disallows undocumented students from receiving higher education. According to the board’s resolution, the bill is “one of the most egregious, anti-immigrant bills in this country’s history.”

What will happen?

The doors of the Student Center will be locked on May 1, which includes the closure of the SFSU Bookstore, the pub, seven food vendors, two convenience stores, study areas, offices, and conference and meeting areas that had previously scheduled events that had to be canceled.

Why May 1?

Often referred to as “May Day,” or “International Workers’ Day,” May 1 is considered Labor Day in most countries other than the United States. On May 1,1884, the demand for an eight-hour workday began, and two years later on the date, a general strike occurred, which led to the initiation of the eight-hour workday for American workers. On May 1, 1894 Coxey’s Army, made up of unemployed workers, participated in the first significant American protest march in Washington, D.C.

What can you do?

To be a part of the boycott: Join Bay Area supporters by gathering at 8 a.m. at Montgomery and Market streets, 11 a.m. at Embarcadero, 3 p.m. at the Civic Center and 5 p.m. at the Federal Building.
If you will be at school: Take part in discussions with speakers in the Malcolm X Plaza.