We, the members of the Black Student Union at California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA), are concerned about the current trajectory of our institution amid the ongoing budget cuts and departmental downsizing at CSULA. These actions have led to a noticeable decline in educational quality, increased mental and emotional distress among students, faculty, staff, and administrators, and significant financial strain on the College of Ethnic Studies and the Pan African Studies Department. Furthermore, we face the threat of reduced federal funding specifically targeting support systems for Black students. Our downsizing effects EVERY student on campus, as it sets a precedent for the university to minimize and cut other important programs that help uplift the marginalized identities on this campus and around the community. Our struggles are tied, so take a moment to read our demands and sign this petition in support of Black student success!

1. WE DEMAND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DR. MELINA ABDULLAH SUCCESS CENTER. We have witnessed a continual decline in the advancement of Black student success at CSULA and the California State University (CSU) system. Although CSULA has seen a slight increase in the percentage of Black-identifying students, there has not been adequate support to ensure retention and requirements of Black students. The administration should be committed to allowing the Black College to oversee all identified Black student and faculty activities.

2. WE DEMAND THE SUPPORT OF THE COLLEGE OF ETHNIC STUDIES AND THE PAN AFRICAN DEPARTMENT’S DEMANDS. The Pan African Studies department is a key source of institutional support for Black students at CSULA. Directed funding has been promised to the department without transparency of allocation or direct leadership involvement in fund distribution. Courses and faculty have been cut even though meeting enrollment requirements, which directly hinders the ability of the department to assist in the retention of Black students.

3. WE DEMAND THAT CSULA ADMIT ALL ELIGIBLE BLACK-IDENTIFYING STUDENTS UNTIL THE PERCENTAGE EQUALS 14% OF THE STUDENT BODY. CSULA is failing to implement the Black Student Task Force’s recommendations to provide adequate financial support and recruitment for Black students. By admitting all Black students, CSULA will create educational advancement and access that transforms the lives and communities of Black students. In line with CSULA’s values of pushing boundaries and a culture of excellence, we demand all Black students be automatically entered into identified programs within the Dr. Melina Abdullah Success Center.

4. WE DEMAND THAT A CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT OFFICE ASSESS ALL COURSES WITH A MULTICULTURAL ASPECT. We demand that a Curriculum Development Office be established within the College of Ethnic Studies. This office would be responsible for assisting in the development and integration of multicultural academic content, including various cultures' histories and contributions to the field of study. The Office of Curriculum Development should assess all courses every two years to ensure adequacy.

5. WE DEMAND A FULL REMODEL AND REDEDICATION OF KING HALL. As a historically significant space for Black students, King Hall must be transformed into a facility that reflects and affirms the cultural, educational, and communal needs of Black students. The new King Hall must house the College of Ethnic Studies, its departments, and the Dr. Melina Abdullah Success Center. The remodel must honor the history, resilience, and achievements of Black students, faculty, staff, and administrators.

6. WE DEMAND THE CREATION OF THE BLACK EAGLES SOCIETY. We demand the establishment of a unifying authority that handles the financial and operational aspects of Black student organizations when interacting with associated students and the university at large. The Black Eagles Society must have at least one representative assigned to ASI. It must also have access to all CSULA spaces, and CSULA shall budget for the annual membership fee and conference of the Afrikan Black Coalition and other academic and professional conferences as deemed vital to the success of Black students.