Campus Antiwar Network History

President Robert A. Corrigan, Ph.D.
San Francisco State University
1600 Holloway Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94132

(415) 338-1381
corrigan@sfsu.edu

Dear Dr. Corrigan:

As a student with personal experience dealing with campus repression, I am deeply saddened by your choice place the priorities of the United States Military, over the safety and Liberty of your own students. How can you punish students who peacefully oppose an institution that recruits and sends their friends to their deaths?

There is a proud history of students and faculty who have stood in opposition to universities that have challenged their constitutional liberties. The free flow of information (e.g. free speech, press, assembly, and petition) is one of the most essential foundations of any democratic society. Democracy cannot exist while these institutions are abridged in any way. The most fundamental concept of democratic government is the ability of people to have access to information and communicate freely with each other. These concepts are also equally as true at the university level.

When students enter the university they expect furtherance of their education and exposure to new ideas and concepts; some of which the university may not necessarily agree with. Only through the exposure to radical and diverse ideas can university life attain the fullest level of debate and discussion. Contrary to the belief of some administrators, the free flow of information is not in anyway counterpoised with the “safety and security” on campus. Moreover, without the free expression of both students and faculty, education cannot exist.

While I am glad to hear that you lifted the suspension of the ten students from campus, your actions that led to a de facto state of homelessness or unemployment of some of them is inexcusable. Your reasoning shows no consideration for due process, the rights of your students, and a disconnect that exists between yourself and SFSU students. Even more striking is your willingness to allow police officers to take action against peaceful protesters.

I urge you to change your polices on student activism and allow all students to fully express themselves and their beliefs on campus. You must not discipline these students in anyway for their heroic efforts to protect their fellow students from an organization that uses lies and deception to further an agenda of war and destruction. Consider the outcry that will ensue, especially in San Francisco, should you attempt to discipline these students.

Please make the right decision and remove any thought of disciplinary action from your mind. Drop all the charges against these students who wish to create a better world for themselves, their friends, and future generations.

I await your reply…

In Peace,

Brian Kelly,
Pace University, Campus Antiwar Network & Students for a Democratic Society
Victim of Campus Repression
kelly@leftist.ws