CSUSM students protest free speech crackdown in walkout

SAN MARCOS — Dozens of students walked out of classes at Cal State San Marcos on Monday to protest what they say is the university’s targeting of student activists and suppression of free speech under its Time, Place and Manner policy.

The walkout was organized as part of a Student and Faculty Week of Action throughout the California State University system, with the support of the California Faculty Association. Additional actions will take place in the coming days at campuses in Bakersfield, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Sonoma, Long Beach, San Jose, and Fullerton.

Jaelin Ivester, an intern with Students for Quality Education who led students on a march through campus on Monday, said around seven classes, each with around 35 students, were canceled that day. 

“We wanted to make an impact. Our money is the thing that funds the CSU. If we’re not in class, it affects those teachers,” Ivester said. 

On Monday, students spoke up for the San Marcos 6, a group of four students and two alumni facing disciplinary action after protesting outside the university’s Social Mobility Symposium at the University Student Union last month. 

Students Megan Angkiangco, Amber Arenas, Justin Gans, and Warshan Ismaeil, and two alumni received disciplinary notices on Feb. 28, accusing them of violating the CSU’s Time, Place, and Manner policy, which sets guidelines for where and how students can express free speech on campus. 

These students face the possibility of expulsion or suspension, potentially impacting their graduation. One of these students, Arenas, was also fired from her on-campus job and paid internship due to her participation in the Feb. 20 protest.

In addition, student organizations M.E.Ch.A. (Chicano Student Movement of Aztlán) and Students for Justice in Palestine are facing disciplinary action from Cal State San Marcos, with the possibility of no longer being recognized as an official group on campus. 

Speaking on Monday, students criticized the university for its actions against students. Angkiangco, who is studying sociology and sustainability, is concerned about being prohibited from graduating in the spring and possibly losing her job in the sustainability department. 

“If this doesn’t make you mad, it should, because it sets a precedent,” said Angkiangco. “If this can happen to me, this can happen to anyone.” 

Arenas said she has been an outspoken voice on the San Marcos campus and is on a first-name basis with several administrators. She said it was disappointing to have them turn against her and other students protesting peacefully. 

“It’s a shame and a deep betrayal to feel that they used their position against me,” Arenas said. 

Disciplinary hearings for students are scheduled for April, and hearings for student organizations will take place this week. 

During the Feb. 20 protest at the university’s Social Mobility Symposium, where California State University Chancellor Mildred García was speaking, students continued their calls for the university to increase protections and support for undocumented students. 

Students attempted to enter the second floor of the University Student Union, where the symposium was held in the ballroom, from the outside doors but were forcibly blocked by police officers. Inside the building, students were also met with officers in riot gear on the staircase to the second floor, where they continued loudly protesting. 

The systemwide Time, Place and Manner policy prohibits activities such as overnight camping, unauthorized structures or vehicles, entering campuses during “closed” hours, and disrupting or interfering with the speech of others.

The policy was adopted last summer following widespread campus protests calling for an end to Israel’s killing of civilians in Palestine in response to the October 2023 Hamas attacks. Many students, the California Faculty Association, and the CSU Academic Senate say the policy curbs free speech and assembly rights.

Cal State San Marcos officials have given little detail on the actual violations committed by students on Feb 20. University spokesperson Jerry McCormick repeated a statement provided earlier this month. 

“Part of protecting free speech rights is making sure that we protect everyone’s rights, including during programs, classes and events. While we can’t speak to specific violations in order to protect students’ privacy rights, when a student group or individual does disrupt or infringe on the free speech or safety of others, those are considered violations,” McCormick said. 

During the Student and Faculty Week of Action, participants also called on the CSU system to protect students from immigration enforcement, promote financial transparency, reduce layoffs, and defend ethnic studies and DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion).