SF State Student Strike and the Third World Liberation Front

 

Discussion Response: SF State Student Strike and the Third World Liberation Front

Prompt 1: What was the purpose of the strike, and why was it important?

The purpose of the strike at San Francisco State was to demand access, representation, and Ethnic Studies.
Students wanted more minority students admitted and wanted a School of Ethnic Studies created ( Race and Resistance at SF State, ~05:00–10:00).
They tried working with administrators, but promises were not kept.
Because of this, students organized marches, rallies, and loud protests to force attention ( Race and Resistance at SF State, ~01:00–04:00).
Different student groups united to form the Third World Liberation Front, showing strength in solidarity ( Race and Resistance at SF State, ~12:00–16:00).
The strike mattered because it led directly to the creation of Ethnic Studies programs, including Black Studies, Filipino Studies, and Chicano Studies ( Race and Resistance at SF State, ~30:00–33:00).
This showed that students can create institutional change when they organize together.

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Prompt 2: How did power and resistance appear in the video?

Power was shown through police presence and administrative control.
The campus was filled with police, riot gear, tear gas, and dogs, making the university feel like a war zone ( Race and Resistance at SF State, ~18:00–22:00).
This showed resistance from the institution against students asking academic and ethical questions.
Student resistance appeared through unity, courage, and persistence.
Minority students formed coalitions and supported each other across racial groups ( Race and Resistance at SF State, ~13:00–17:00).
They demanded change instead of waiting for permission.
The video shows that power rarely gives in unless it is challenged directly ( Race and Resistance at SF State, ~34:00–36:00).

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Works Cited

Race and Resistance at SF State. Documentary film. San Francisco State University Student Strike, 1968–1969.

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