Mills College Staff Solidarity Protest - mic check

Mills College students mic check in solidarity with, and in protest of, the layoff of three beloved professionals: Gina Rosabal (Director of Social Justice Resource Center), Kate Dey (Director of Career Services) and Jess Miller (Director of Sevices for Students with Disabilities.).

Transcription of the mic check:

I have many questions. Perhaps I would not be so confused and misinformed if there was more transparency about how and where money moves within our wonderful college. Because this what it all boils down to in your eyes, MONEY. RIGHT?
I hope you do not think you have achieved your position of power on your own. You may have worked hard to get where you are but there was undoubtedly someone out there who helped you. There was someone who believed in your potential and was your advocate. Unfortunately, you feel that we are not worthy of such support. You have for all intents and purposes banished our advocates while at the same time created a situation where staff and faculty are unable to effectively do their jobs because they are overworked and undersupported. My grandmother always told me that our actions speak louder than words. You can send out as many emails you like talking about how much you love mills and want to support us. But the fact is that your actions scream otherwise. In case you are unaware, allow me to verbally repeat what your actions say. "Dear students with disabilities, minorities, working and lower class studnts; "WE DO NOT WANT YOU HERE. WE NO LONGER SEE THE VALUE IN PROVIDING SERVICES TO HELP YOU BE SUCCESSFUL AND FEEL WELCOME. PLEASE DONT LET THE DOOR HIT YOUR BUTT ON THE WAY OUT! " And to the remaining faculty and staff you are saying "THIS IS THE BEST WE CAN DO FOR YOU! WE TRIED OUR BEST! IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT, TOUGH COOKIES. WE CAN FIND SOMEONELSE TO FILL YOUR POSITION FOR LESS MONEY. BECAUSE, AFTER ALL, MILLS IS A BUSINESS AND WE ARE ALL ABOUT THE POSITION AND NOT THE PEOPLE.

If you think we will just shut up and go home you are naive. If you think you all are above being held accountable for your actions you are extremely wrong. Do not forget without students there is no college.You have awaken the mama Lion and you will feel and hear our roar.

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[MEpianist]

They raise the tuition to keep you in debt and scared.

[semioriginalword]

I happened to be on campus today to meet with a financial aid counselor to discuss my situation and steps to take for getting financial aid next year, and I caught the tail end of this rally. I'm deferring my enrollment right now and seeing what happened really makes me want to re-consider going to the school. It is my dream school but I hate that they're disregarding what they preach.