I'm pleased to let you know that Governor Brown has signed into law the bill that will bring greater transparency and accountability to campus foundations and other auxiliary organizations.

Hundreds of SDSU faculty members signed petitions, sent faxes, and wrote letters over the past three years as part of CFA's efforts to enact this legislation. Many faculty members joined us on visits to legislators in local district offices or in Sacramento to push for the bill. It may have taken some time, but our individual efforts combined to create this achievement.

The bill creates greater transparency in the CSU, UC and community colleges by placing the institutions' subsidiary organizations -- known as "auxiliaries" -- under the scope of the California Public Records Act. Previously, these auxiliaries, including campus foundations, could keep information regarding income and expenditures hidden from public view.

By the California State University Chancellor's Office's own admission, 20% of this public university's operating budget -- or $1.34 billion -- is held in the hidden accounts of its campus and system auxiliaries. The new law allows the public to make information requests and requires the university to respond.

Thank you to the many faculty members who helped to make this achievement possible.

Best,
Charles Toombs

Charles Toombs
Associate Professor of Africana Studies
President, SDSU Chapter, California Faculty Association
President, SDSU Chapter, American Association of University Professors
CFA Office Phone: 619-594-2775