Occupy Movement Comes to Cupertino

In a quiet and cerebral manner an Occupy movement is growing in Cupertino, but the overnight campouts are not done in protest, they are in support of the school, which is why this movement calls itself Occupy for Education at De Anza College.

“It’s not a protest, we’re mobilizing students,” said Emily Kinner, student trustee.

"We love De Anza," added Maylea Saito, one of the student organizers.

On a recent Tuesday—the standing day of week for the group’s general assembly—about 36 students broke into small groups.

On small strips of plain white paper passed out by organizers were written proposed ways to help fund California schools’ dwindling budget. “Raise current sales tax by ½ cent ($2.5 billion,)” read one; “Increase tobacco and alcohol taxes ($2.4 billion,)” read another.

“What would you do to mobilize students to make this happen?” charged an organizer to the students.

Occupy for Education at De Anza is being used as a teachable moment, Kinner said.

“It’s an educational tool, we’re not just camping,” she said.

Students shared their thoughts and ideas with one another on how they might carry out getting students to rally around one of the revenue producing ideas.

“Here, students can come up with their own ideas,” Kinner said.

Each week the assembly comes up with a theme, such as this one, to get students to think about conclusions and solutions, not just the problems facing them and their school.

The movement evolved from a Students for Justice group in the fall and each week has seen attendance grow, Saito said.

“The name carries our mission in solidarity with the occupy movement,” she said.

De Anza’s Occupy group is also in solidarity with the administration.

“We work with the administration. They love that we’re here,” Kinner said.

Brian Murphy, president of De Anza College joins the Tuesday rallies to show support and encouragement.

The group is “serious and real,” Murphy said.

“They know the value of education. This is coming from their hearts.”

And along the way they are not only learning about mobilizing for a cause, they are learning the finer points of sleeping outside in tents on cold nights on cold concrete.

“Lots and lots and lots of blankets” and cardboard under the tent are Saito’s tips to stay warm.