The Santa Clara University Adjunct & Lecturer Union led a rally around campus on Wednesday, Sept. 30 as part of their Academic Justice Festival—a series of actions meant to raise awareness among the campus community for their ongoing battle with the University over contract negotiations.
Over 100 people came out for the rally, including faculty, students, and a lineup of labor and elected allies including Assembly member Patrick Ahrens, San Jose Council member Peter Ortiz and South Bay Labor Council leader Jean Cohen
Topics discussed by speakers included job security, pay and cost of living, the University’s endowment relative to the working conditions of teaching faculties, and context of the ongoing bargain.
When asked about her experience and participation at the event, SALU treasurer and philosophy professor Madeline Cronin described her job as a calling to her.
“In my mind, I’m aiming at a long term future, for more stability, that will then translate to these high quality classroom experiences, and a community where we can trust in the sincerity of the mission,” said Cronin.
The march along campus spanned 20 minutes, departing from Benson to circle through Kenna lawn before looping back through the Alameda mall in front of SCDI. Supporters followed the lead of Cronin holding signs of support, chanting “When we fight, we win.”
“It’s a chance to educate the campus and to be together in solidarity,” said Robin Tremblay-McGaw, teaching professor in the English department. “This is a chance to educate students, to rally colleagues, to demonstrate support for one of them, for all of us, because our working conditions are student learning conditions.”
