Matt Weir / The Collegian

As activism rises on Fresno State’s campus, faculty show support of student involvement

Recent student activism on the California State University, Fresno campus has received support from many faculty members.

Professors could be seen in and outside of the Henry Madden Library during the protest staged after closing hours in November. October’s walkout also featured faculty members who addressed the crowd in the Peace Garden.

Dr. Loretta Kensinger, a professor for the women’s studies program, said that her participation was strictly in support for the students involved. She joined the family and friends of students who stood outside of the library for moral support for the students demonstrating inside, she said.

“I think the students are raising awareness for all of us about what the plight is for the California State University system right now,” Kensinger said.

She said students, as well as faculty, have been impacted by the budget cuts. It is important to support the students as they push for the state to fully fund education, Kensinger said.

She said it’s important to support any students who are being thoughtful and considerate of their civic duties.

“These are students who clearly hope to benefit themselves, but are really fighting for a larger good,” Kensinger said. “A good that goes beyond their time at this institution.”

Kensinger said that she thinks most faculty are concerned about the direction of the university. Funding issues are impacting classrooms and lives, she said.

Dr. Michael Becker, a professor of political science, has also supported the recent student activism. He spoke during the walkout and was present at the study-in. Becker said that the events were student-organized and that his involvement was intermittent and informal.

He said he has given advice to the students when they asked for it, and that the students were deserving of support.

“[The students] are justifiably concerned and upset,” Becker said.

Becker said he has concerns about the diminishing quality of higher education and the fee increases. He also said that there is an absence of democratic governance. The faculty and student representation on campus need to have actual power and not just advisory power, according to Becker.

He said that the students want to, and should, be involved in their own governance.

“My impression is [students] would like to work closely with the administration to bring a more effective result,” Becker said.

Satvir Dhah, an undeclared freshman, has been involved in a number of the demonstrations on campus. He said that the faculty support shows that the movement includes more than just students.

“It gives us a lot of credibility,” Dhah said.

Dr. William A Covino, the provost and vice president of academic affairs, said that to his knowledge, the university has no official policy that covers faculty involvement in student activism.