Following the controversial resignation of Regent Haim Saban last month, the UC Students Association has called on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to appoint Dolores Huerta to the UC Board of Regents as his replacement.
“[She] isn’t afraid to go into the Capitol and say ‘this is what we want,’” UCSA University Affairs Committee Chair Steven Alvarez said.
Saban left the board in September after the San Diego Union-Tribune published his attendance record at meetings and state legislators called for his resignation. Saban cited personal reasons for his decision to quit.
Huerta served as a regent in 2003, after former Gov. Gray Davis appointed her to fill a board spot left open for a period of six months. After Davis’ recall in 2003, Schwarzenegger did not reappoint her to a full 12-year term.
Huerta gained the support of the UCSA after demonstrating that she shared the priorities of the organization during her brief stay on the board, especially during student protests over higher fees in November 2003, according to UCSA President Jennifer Lilla.
“I think that she would see the benefit in building student electoral power,” Lilla said.
Huerta is known mainly for her work alongside Cesar Chavez in organizing farm workers and co-founding the United Farm Workers Union.
“It would be inspirational for students to see someone who has had a long career in grassroots to come to this position,” Lilla said.
Huerta would also serve as a positive role model for students, according to Alvarez.
“She’s always been one to advocate that we need to educate ourselves,” Alvarez said. “She makes up some of the curriculum we learn in our classrooms. … I think that’s very inspirational for underrepresented, marginalized communities.”
It normally takes two or three years to become fully comfortable with the way the board works, according to student Regent Jodi L. Andersen. Huerta, however, showed early promise during her brief time on the board, she said.
A total of 26 members serve on the UC Board of Regents. The governor appoints 17 of the members to 12-year terms seven serve as part of their political offices, one is a student representative, and two are non-voting faculty members.
“Traditionally, regent appointments are plum positions,” Lilla said. “It is a tremendous honor to be appointed regent. … One regent voice really can make a difference.”
Regents make decisions that have a major impact on students, according to A.S. President Jenn Pae.
“If there is an ally on the Board of Regents, that ensures support for issues such as financial aid, tuition, outreach, eligibility requirements and overall access into higher education in the University of California system,” Pae stated in an e-mail.
Many of the current regents who serve on the board are businesspeople by profession, which further prompted the UCSA to support Huerta in hopes of promoting diversity, Lilla and Alvarez said.
“[Huerta’s appointment] would bring a very good new and much-needed perspective to the UC regents,” Alvarez said. “It’s not just about making sure the bills get paid.”
Schwarzenegger’s office declined to comment on the UCSA’s endorsement, calling the appointment process a private matter until the governor reaches his final decision.
“Traditionally, the regent appointment process is closed and that is something we’d like to see changed,” Lilla said. “[With a] more balanced process … it could be a very different Board of Regents.”
