United for Public Good
President, Students Forge Statement in Defense of Public Education
April 21, 2011 :: No. 125
Cal State Fullerton President Milton A. Gordon joined with students today in signing a statement in defense of public education.
The one-page statement, which calls upon Californians to recommit to and reinvest in public education, was worked out over the course of four days in a series of meetings with students involving Gordon, Student Affairs administrators and others.
Standing on the steps of the Humanities-Social Sciences Building at 1:15 p.m., Gordon addressed a gathering of students, faculty, staff and administrators.
“Let me begin by again expressing my deep respect for our students and their responsible efforts to engage the critical issues facing our university and the CSU in these challenging fiscal times,” he said.
“I am proud to be able to report that civic engagement is flourishing at Cal State Fullerton, exemplified by the many students who have kept vigil in Langsdorf Hall in their passionate defense of public education — peacefully,” he continued, amid a chorus of cheers.
“I share their passion for the cause, and I’m happy to be able to report to you that we stand united in the belief that all Californians should enjoy equal access to a quality public education.
“The state budget crisis is at the heart of the fiscal challenges we face,” he noted.
“I am committed to continuing to work toward access to a high-quality university education and to keeping the lines of communication open as we work through these difficult times together. Please continue to take an active role in support of providing quality public education for all qualified students,” he said to more cheers from those assembled.
Students also stepped to the podium to praise the participants for their engagement and to read aloud the statement. While cheering, they gathered around Gordon to present and watch him sign the document (at right).
“I take great pride in signing this agreement,” Gordon said.
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Media Contacts:
Christopher Bugbee, Public Affairs, 657-278-8487 or cbugbee@fullerton.edu
Paula Selleck, Public Affairs, 657-278-4856 or pselleck@fullerton.edu
