Letter to UCSC Chancellor George Blumenthal: Violations of Student Journalists Rights

April 15, 2010

Via Electronic and U.S. Mail

Chancellor George Blumenthal

Chancellor, UC Santa Cruz
200 ClarkKerrHall
University of California
Santa Cruz, CA95064

            Re: Violations of Student Journalists Rights

Dear Chancellor Blumenthal,

            In light of the recent judicial summonses and the subsequent letters of resolution regarding the Kerr Hall occupation, the Student Media Council would like to publicly state that we are opposed to any form of summonses of or sanctions against any student journalist associated with this body or the University of California, Santa Cruz. Issuing a judicial summons to student journalists not only hampers our ability to be fair and accurate reporters, but also violates our freedom of speech and our freedom of the press. The first amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America and Article 1 Section 2 of the California Constitution clearly protects these rights.

            We write with concern for the particular case of Kenji Tomari, a journalist associated with The Project for the past year. The charges against Mr. Tomari in connection with the Kerr Hall occupation are unfounded as he is a journalist, as defined in the California Evidence Code § 1070. He was in compliance with California Penal Code § 409.5(d) and 627.2, protecting access to closed areas and public schools respectively. Mr. Tomari clearly identified himself by a press pass worn around his neck; he never engaged in any of the actions inside of Kerr Hall and his material was published at ucscproject.wordpress.com. Representatives from City on the Hill Press, TWANAS and a local FOX News affiliate were at the scene alongside Mr. Tomari. It is unjust that he be singled out and punished.

            The violation of basic constitutional rights is such a horrific transgression that nothing less than complete amnesty for Mr. Tomari should be granted. We demand his amnesty, as well as amnesty for any other student journalist facing any form of punitive measure. We demand that student journalists be protected under the University Student Judicial Handbook, and we demand that student journalists be allowed to report as intended by the constitutions of the United States of America and the State of California.

Sincerely,

 Chinquapin

 City on a Hill Press

 Film Production Coalition

 Fish Rap Live

 Leviathan Jewish Journal

 KZSC

 Matchbox Magazine

 Red Wheelbarrow

 Third World and Native American Student Press Collective

cc: David S. Kliger, Campus Provost/Executive Vice Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs, Felicia McGinty, Lori Kletzer, Chair, Academic Senate