Stand with CSUSM Student: Fired for Advocacy

Hi, I'm Amber Arenas and I am a student at Cal State University San Marcos and I have been fired from my two campus jobs due to protesting as an attempt to silence my student voice.

In an attempt to silence me

They fired me from University Student Union student assistant position I held for 4 years.

They fired me from my Student Health & Counseling internship, where I advocated for survivors of sexual harm for 3 years.

They had taken away my only financial security and source of income.

They have put me in emotional distress for my financial & social wellbeing

They will not silence me and I can promise you that.

**To anyone wanting to donate, please DO NOT if you yourself would benefit from your own funds <3 This was all started because there are amazing CSUSM faculty professors out there who want to help support me financially. The amount goal is just a random amount, I am not looking for more or less, just community support**

There is plenty of ways that you can support myself and other students! One is by following this link to sign the petition in calling out CSUSM admin to drop the disciplinary actions against me and my fellow peers! Sign Please

Background

I am a 5th year set to graduate this spring with my B.A in Criminology and Justice Studies and my B.A is psychological Sciences. I am actively involved on campus and have advocated for different student population in different spaces. I am a strong believer in using my voice for those who can not. On February 20th, I chose to use my voice and advocate for CSUSM to become a sanctuary campus and protect its undocumented student population. Along fellow peers, I protested the Social Mobility Symposium, an event taking place on our campus. This protest violated the universities time place and manner policies. A week after the protest, 4 students and 2 alumni were sent letters of student conduct violations. I am one of these 6 individuals and the only one who was fired from my on campus positions. I remain in shock and disgust at the actions taken by admin to single me out and retaliate in this way.

For more info on the situation here is an article written by the California Faculty Association (CFA) CFA Article

For updates on everything, here is the Instagram of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) SJP Instagram

More information regarding my financial situation:

With everything that has been going on, I have not been able to even start to process the financial burden of losing my only source of income is going to effect me in the next few months. Prior to my termination, I was already struggling financially and was in the search for either a 3rd job or new one. Luckily I have had the privilege of one my professors to offer a position on his research team, which I am extremely grateful for! Due to the fact that I am graduating soon and the living cost in San Marcos are extremely high, I am still in the process of finding a more long term source of income. It is harder for me to have off campus jobs since I do not drive, regardless I am in the process of finding one that is available through public transit. For transparency any received funds, I will use towards my rent! Any remaining funds will be used for grad application in the fall, mental health services, and back to the community through organizations I'm Involved in.