We are essential workers across many categories of employment and departments on this campus. Without us, this university could not run.

On April 24 and April 29, 2024, many of us observed the actions of state troopers and police from our office windows and the outside areas. We saw an assault on our students, staff, faculty, and the public that was meant to instill fear and terror. In addition, the blaring of police orders to disperse across our campus along with alarm lights made it impossible to do our jobs. None of us observed or heard any evidence of antisemitic speech or inappropriate behavior on the part of the demonstrators. An apology to the entire campus and public is in order.

Our campus police are trained to defend the rights of students and know when specific campus rules might call on them to intervene. We demand a pledge from the administration that in the future, no state troopers or external police be used to suppress protests and assemblies on our campus.

We also are concerned about rules that demand that staff limit the functions of organizations on our campus. One recent example is denial of department list services for an Onyx Society panel that included the head of the Black State Legislative Caucus and the NAACP Legal Defense team. We demand a clear and current procedure to ensure that all newly formed and existing campus organizations with committed faculty advisors be allowed to meet, are adequately protected, and are able to publicize their events.

Finally, you will notice that some of us choose to remain anonymous. This is not cowardice on our part. It reveals the atmosphere of fear and intimidation on our campus. We will keep individual contact information private. The Texas State Employees Union CWA 6186 expects you to recognize the validity of this petition. We request a response to our Austin office before the fall semester begins.