Amended lawsuit filed against ACCJC | Financial Aid counseling debacle continues | Solidarity Summer

The California Federation of Teachers (CFT), AFT 2121 and other locals

filed an amended complaint against the ACCJC. The complaint, delayed for more than two years by ACCJC legal maneuvers, alleges a broad array of

violations of federal laws and regulations, as well as California common

law fair procedure, by the Commission.

The chief difference between the San Francisco City Attorney’s suit and

the CFT’s—originally filed at the same time—is the wider breadth of

this complaint. This lawsuit alleges that the ACCJC unlawfully and

unfairly impinged on collective bargaining authorized by

state law, by demanding that colleges disregard their duty to negotiate

over subjects such as wage increases and faculty working conditions. The

amended lawsuit also asserts that ACCJC disregards due process rights of

colleges, which are governed by California’s common law fair procedure

doctrine. As a result, colleges are denied an opportunity to appeal

sanctions and denied written findings of fact on decisions made by the

ACCJC. The suit also alleges that, because ACCJC had been delegated the

job of accrediting California’s community colleges, it must comply

with a California open meeting law and the Bagley-Keene Act, which requires

transparency, including open hearings by private organizations delegated

certain state functions.

Read more on the CFT Press Release.

Dean Coria, Chancellor Lamb and the Board have chosen to ignore this petition signed by 36 counselors asking them to reverse Dean Coria’s decision to close the Financial Aid office and assign Financial Aid counselors elsewhere. After initially reaching out to the affected faculty, the Chancellor cancelled her meeting when the counselors requested union representation. Today, the Dean announced that beginning this summer the Financial Aid office will be closed.Whereas students currently have access to professional Financial Aid counselors, they will now be shown a 15 minute video.

Clearly this decision goes beyond unilateral decision-making regarding faculty working conditions and the grievance process, it goes to the core of student services and is part of larger downsizing plan. Faculty and students will continue to fight this decision throughout the summer. How can you join the struggle? Join your union’s summer training program (more info below) or contact Alan D’Souza at adsouza@aft2121.org about how to get involved.

This summer our union will be offering a series of training sessions for rank-and-file members and Precinct Representatives on building union power for our students, community, and membership. We will discuss organizing theory and practice, and look at how to fight the big-money forces working to undermine public education.

There will be one session each week of CCSF summer school for a total of 6, each with a different theme. If you are interested in participating please RSVP to mmccown@aft2121.orgso we can plan for the appropriate number of attendees. If you will be in need of childcare please include that in your RSVP. Participants can choose to attend either a Wednesdaysession from 4-7 or Sunday session from 11-2, the same curriculum will be covered at each. Location is TBD.

Contact AFT 2121 at 415-585-2121 or visit us online at aft2121.org. Follow us on Facebook.
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