CFA Members Welcome Chancellor Garcia

Mildred Garcia began her term as CSU chancellor October 1. CFA members join CSU workers and students welcoming Garcia back to the CSU and reminding her of the momentous task ahead.

“Are you going to be the chancellor who oversees one of the largest higher education strikes ever? Or are you going to be the chancellor who aligns with our vision for the transformation of the CSU?” asked CFA President Charles Toombs in a welcome video for Garcia.

Current CSU management practices reflect a hoarding of funds in investment accounts and reserves and self-serving budget decisions. Campus presidents and other executives saw up to 29% increases to their already excessive salary, and Chancellor Garcia was awarded nearly $1 million in compensation. All while increasing student tuition 34 percent over five years.

Several CSU programs are in disarray, with even state legislators taking note. In the last two months, legislators held hearings where CSU administrators tried to account for an utter lack of accountability at the Chancellor’s Office and campuses tied to state auditor reports.

One scathing audit report found that there are 700,000 human remains and cultural objects on campuses despite a 1995 federal and state deadline to return them to the proper tribes. Nearly 30 years after the deadline, only 6 percent of the remains and artifacts have been repatriated. 

Another audit pointed out the CSU’s failure to adequately respond to Title IX violations of sexual misconduct.

“CFA (members are) watching closely to ensure your leadership matches your promising words and sentiments on combatting racism at the CSU and reforming the Title IX process,” Toombs said. “… It is imperative, Chancellor Garcia, that you address the concerns of the people who keep the CSU running and who carry out the CSU mission.”