Chaparral 2023-2024: Achieving Justice for Teachers at Garfield with Site Representative Andres Cruz

Chaparral talked with Garfield Site Representative Andres Cruz about his position and legacy on campus. Here is what he would like you to know:

Chaparral: Talk about the legacy of your position. How has this history impacted your vision for this role?

The legacy of this position has been influenced by the goal of achieving justice and equity for teachers at Garfield. This history has impacted what I do because my main goal is to support the Garfield family by advocating for a more just and equitable teaching experience at GCC. I have the opportunity to serve all who reach out to me with concerns and questions about their contractual rights. I am constantly learning, collaborating, and voicing out their concerns. I think the “legacy” of this position is the manifestation of the hard work previous Garfield Guild officers have achieved and all the hard work that needs to be done moving forward. Personally, I think it’s important to acknowledge how the contracts, policies, and processes that have been implemented before I assumed this responsibility are still influencing what we do as professionals at GCC. Understanding this history helps me work effectively with the other Guild officers to achieve common goals and guarantee better outcomes at Garfield. The new future I see at Garfield is based on justice and equity: justice by challenging the language and policy of our contracts, and making sure the needs of Garfield teachers are heard and addressed; and equity by advocating for pay parity and healthcare for all teachers.

Chaparral: What is one thing you would like to see continue after you leave your position?

I think it’s important to focus on the language of our contracts, like how our contacts and policies have been written can negatively and disproportionately impact adjuncts. This is one of the tasks I aim to address along with my Guild brothers and sisters. It takes time, but I am certain that we can do this together.