The resolution, introduced at the Board of Supervisors' Tuesday meeting, passed quickly. In fact, the Board was so enthusiastic that Supervisor Carmen Chu requested to be added as a co-sponsor of the measure; other sponsors were fellow supervisors Ammiano, Sean Elsbernd and Bevan Dufty.

Prior to the meeting, more than 150 students, faculty members, staff, administrators and supporters from San Francisco State University and City College of San Francisco turned out for a rally on the steps of City Hall in support of the resolution, which emphasized support for higher education in San Francisco.

Chapter 305 President Russell Kilday-Hicks, second from right, speaks to the crowd at the May 20 rally on the steps of San Francisco City Hall. (photo credit: Natalia Bremer)

A featured speaker was CSUEU Chapter 305 President Russell Kilday-Hicks, who made the following eloquent remarks to the enthusiastic crowd:

"By being here today, we give honor to those before us who had the vision and made the sacrifices to create the higher education system of California. They taught us that we do have a choice--a choice to offer our children the open door of opportunity.

"Politics can be a cynical game--but not this, when it's a politics of thousands who stand up to demand that the right choices be made and that we act on a positive vision so that our children can both dream a better world and have the opportunity to create it.

"We stand behind Supervisor Ammiano because he has the courage to know what's right, beyond the fears and restraints of the moment. We ask the other supervisors, San Francisco, and all of California to vote their dreams and their children's dreams. Support higher education -- and all of education -- in California. Peace."

Other speakers included current San Francisco Labor Council President Tim Paulson and former President Walter Johnson, along with supportive politicians and representatives of SFSU and City College of San Francisco.

Russell notes that CSUEU members played a key role in making the event happen. "CSUEU contributions included arranging shuttle buses from SFSU to City Hall, purchasing lunches, obtaining a donation of T-shirts from the SFSU Bookstore, contacting San Francisco supervisors and union leaders to ask for their support, making signs, and making noise at the event itself so that our voices would be heard. We even had a contingent of staff members walk over from SFSU's Downtown Campus site."

The Alliance for the CSU is a coalition of constituencies who care about the future of California and its university system. It includes students, alumni, faculty, CSU staff, administrators, parents of CSU students, employers, church leaders, labor union members, and all others who appreciate the many assets that the California State University adds to our communities and cities.

Supporters from labor, City Hall and academia line the steps of San Francisco City Hall to show their support as part of the May 20 rally. (photo credit: Natalia Bremer)