We refuse to have a predator as a faculty member of CSUSM. What’s the cause: We are fighting against CSUSM administration for not taking further action on sexual harassment caused by professor Chetan Kumar. CSUSM rescinded its termination of Chetan Kumar after being pressured by California Faculty Association (CFA), Kumar’s union which was defended by our very own faculty, Professor Engen. They di
d not take further action under the circumstances to avoid “the expense, inconvenience and uncertainty of continued proceedings.” CSUSM failed to be transparent about the case to their students and staff. The students, faculty and staff were not able to express any decision on the case. Chetan Kumar will continue to be a CSUSM employee which the students, faculty and staff do not approve of and refuse to settle for. Although he will not be directly working with students, we collectively agree he deserves to be fired and banned from CSUSM for abusing his position of authority. Professor Chetan lied about his predatory behaviors and deemed them as “friendly” and “part of his culture”. He inappropriately and without consent touched these female students and continuously made them uncomfortable. We refuse to let a predator represent our school and have the privilege to remain employed by CSUSM after making students feel unsafe on a campus they pay for. Justice is not being served for the 3 students who had the courage to come forward and trusted the school to make the right decision. Additionally, Chetan Kumar’s case will not be publicized after 3 years if no additional cases arise and his public record as a professor will be clean. How will we protest: We will begin our protest at Extended Learning Building: 288 Campus Way, San Marcos, CA 92096 (between the building 150 kinesiology LAB 1 and 102 CSUSM Corp innovation HUB). This building will be next to public parking (Parking Structure 2) shared by CSUSM and the local retail stores. From there we will make our way towards June way and E Barham Dr. Then we will walk towards S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd and rally there for at least 30 minutes to 1hr in the public’s eye before making our way back to the ELC building. We will be using bullhorns, large signs, distributing leaflets, and sharing chants to spread our message to the public. No vulgar language will be used during the protest. Arrive at least 30 minutes before if you would like to make signs with the provided materials but keep in mind they are limited. Safety And Precautions
Please bring a mask, comfortable walking shoes and water. It is recommended to wear comfortable, light clothing and a hat, and sunscreen due to the warm weather. We will remain on the sidewalk for the majority of the protest except for crossing the road safely and following traffic guidelines. Where to share the protest: Linked in, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Facebook Groups, (CSUSM students, San Diego Girly Time, San Diego Events and other FB groups in San Diego) A hashtag will be encouraged to be used for any post regarding the protest and march.
When is the Protest: Saturday June 12 at 10:00 AM
Chants and Sign Ideas
“TAKE ACTION ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT!”
“STUDENTS OVER PREDATORS!”
“TAKE ACCOUNTABILITY!”
“STOP PROTECTING THE PREDATOR!”
“PROTECT THE STUDENTS, NOT THE PREDATOR!”
“FIRE PROVEN PREDATOR!”
“STUDENTS OVER MONEY!”
“OUR MONEY OUR DECISION!”
“FIRE CHETAN KUMAR!”
“KICK OUT KUMAR!”
“PREDATOR AMONG US!”
Feel free to come up with your own messages for your signs. Keep in mind this is a peaceful protest and no vulgar language should be used. More information about the case https://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/education/csu-san-marcos-tried-to-fire-a-professor-for-misconduct-then-his-union-intervened/?fbclid=IwAR0UKxpsYn7yyRqTiEglKC7237WWWjJgLnYA_iTu8r_wc0ZrfpktDpXu78k
