LCCEA members, staff, and students of Lane Community College come together to demonstrate for a fair faculty contract outside Downtown Eugene LCC Campus building.
By Amy L. Miller
Photo Credit: Amy L. Miller
Lane Community College students and staff gathered alongside other prominent community members to protest what they consider unfair treatment of the Lane Community College Education Association [LCCEA] and the college as a whole by the LCC administration in downtown Eugene on Saturday, Oct 4.
The event began with a meeting for the Oregon Education Association [OEA] at the Graduate hotel. The march started in front of the hotel and extended to the LCC Downtown Campus. OEA president Enrique Farrera says that he and the over 42,000 active state union members stand in full support of the LCCEA fighting for their rights to a fair contract for staff and students who strive for academic success.
LCCEA has been fighting against budget cuts that total over $3million per year for the next three years since May 2025, and other big decisions made by administration without contacting the LCC Board or inquiring public opinion.
One of many of these decisions include the removal of the Licensed Practical Nursing program despite record-breaking applications and high graduation rates.
President of Oregon Education Association Enrique Farrera (center) and other demonstrators march back to Graduate by Hilton after demonstrating support for a fair faculty contract.
Photo Credit: Amy L. Miller
Adrienne Mitchell, president of the LCCEA and instructor for over 25 years, said at protest decisions like these are “reflective of current right-wing federal government” and are “not only an attack on LCC, but the concept of democracy as a whole.”
Photo Credit: Amy L. Miller
Mitchell goes on to further say that public comment for major decisions by administration such as these is “absolutely necessary,” as she says that community is the most essential part of Lane Community College.
The college’s focus has always been on students and student success, and Mitchell says it should remain that way, however without proper wages and benefits for staff, students will not be able to receive the attention they deserve. “Instructors and staff deserve a fair contract that allows them rest and security between work and life, so that they may be able to offer students their 100%.” Mitchell says. When staff are unable to give themselves time to relax and have clear separation between work and home life, students begin to slip through the cracks, she adds.
Student speaker Mila Saunders-Gulsch reiterated this through her personal experiences as an Indigenous Native American student. Saunders-Gulsch is a current student following Native American Indigenous studies program and Political Science, and is a member of the Ringcon Band of the Luiseño Indians.
Photo Credit: Amy L. Miller
Native students “have a history” of abuse and neglect within the American education system she says, and with major budget cuts that yes, all students will feel the effects, but Indigenous and other students of color will be hit the hardest. ‘The Multicultural and Gender Equity Centers are essential in making LCC a safe and inclusive space for marginalized students.’
She continues, ‘Overworked and underpaid staff cannot fully support their students, and if students do not feel welcomed or supported culturally, they will be unable to thrive and will not return to continue their studies.’
