Uninformed staff and students deserve transparency

As usual at Sonoma State, the students are in the dark about all that is happening behind closed doors. It has been over two weeks since the news first came out in the Press Democrat about the $600,000 settlement involving Judy Sakaki and the sexual assault case involving her husband. Since that article came out, there has been a shift in energy on the Sonoma State campus. That shift comes mainly from the lack of knowledge across the campus about what is going on.

At this point, if you haven’t been keeping up with local papers like the Star and the Press Democrat, you probably have no idea what’s been going on lately. The University has yet to release a statement or even acknowledge that there is a crisis unfolding right in front of us. 

Emma Liao, a Sonoma State student, shared, “Why am I hearing all of this from social media and other news sources like the Press Democrat not from Sonoma State? They’re not providing us with any emails or newsletters about what is happening.” 

The school still hasn't released any information, and Judy Sakaki has said even less, if that's possible. The students are upset and want to know what's going on, but also they want to hear from Judy Sakaki herself. She has released a tone deaf email or two and has shared a pre-recorded video of her speaking at the Academic Senate meeting, but other than that, where is she?

The President used to be out and about on campus all the time. Taking pictures with students that didn't want pictures with her, pretending to listen to people's concerns, you name it, and yet, where has she been? This past week, a group of students went to her office to voice their concerns and to let her know they want acknowledgement of what's happening, and also an apology for her actions leading up to this point. Unfortunately, they were just met with empty “I hear you”’s.

An anonymous SSU student said, “We’ve gone to Sakaki’s office three times this week, and every time she just says ‘we hear you, we understand’. It’s not feeling like she does though, because if she did, where’s the action, where’s the accountability, where’s the transparency?” 

Does President Sakaki understand why students are so upset with her and why they want a genuine response? Doubt it. In order to be able to move forward, the campus community wants to be given all the information that's missing as well as a statement live and in person from Sakaki herself.

While Sakaki is digging herself a deeper hole by doing nothing, the students are trying to make a difference. Key word: trying. Last Thursday, there was a rally held on campus that was put on by the California Faculty Association. A good turn out of students and staff were there to join together and make some noise across campus demanding change, accountability, integrity, and transparency from Sonoma State leadership. Students and staff alike gathered at the rally, supported one another and listened to each other.

Yes, Sonoma State is a small school, and not a lot of juicy gossip often happens, however when it does, the Sonoma State Star does its job of reporting the facts. Lately, as the Star has been diligently trying to keep up with the rapid fire of stories, it seems like some members of the faculty don't like what's being reported, yet they continue staying silent rather than bringing their concerns forward. 

When talking with Emma Molloy, a Communications student who created a petition to remove Judy Sakaki from office, she said, “How everything has escalated and everything that has come from all of this, I'm really disappointed in the university to be honest.”

In order to restore SSU there needs to be accountability taken by Sakaki. There needs to be transparency between the university leadership and students. Above all, there needs to be a transformation throughout the university to ensure students feel safe and heard, while also feeling supported by those leading the students to their next chapter.