About the College of Ethnic Studies
The SF State College Strike, also referred to as the Third World Strike, was a six-month walkout and protest that embraced the concerns of minority students to establishment of the country’s first College of Ethnic Studies.
In 1968 and 1969 the Black Student Union, select staff and faculty and members from the larger Bay Area community, organized and lead a series of actions against systematic discrimination. Protestors spoke out against lack of access, misrepresentation, and the overall neglect of indigenous peoples and people of color within the university's curriculum and programs. Their specific demands included the establishment of four departments: American Indian Studies, Asian American Studies, Black Studies, and La Raza Studies within a College of Ethnic Studies. These demands reflected a respect for the diverse intellectual traditions and cultural expressions of scholars, activists, and artists of color and indigenous people throughout the United States.
Historical Documentations
SF State College Strike Collection
The SF State College Strike embraced the concerns of minority students. During the Strike, broadsides and leaflets were distributed announcing different points of view. These strike materials were collected and archived.
DIVA Collections
SF State faculty worked with DIVA to create custom digital collections to support College of Ethnic Studies.
ScholarWorks Collection
Collections of Student Newspapers including The Daily Gater that were published during the 1968-69 student led strike.
Visiting CoES
Thank you for your interest in visiting and learning more about the College of Ethnic Studies! We recommend the following options when planning your visit on our beautiful campus.
In-person guided tours provided by the University
You’ll hear everything directly from an SFSU student’s perspective. Our student tour guides will guide you along campus pathways and answer your questions about what life is like at SFSU. We offer a one-hour guided walking tour of campus for prospective undergraduate students and families.
Register for a Guided-Campus Tour
All SFSU campus tour options can be found at Visit Campus.
Tours and outreach workshops with an Ethnic Studies focus
REACH is partnering with local high schools and community colleges to support local students with culturally responsive outreach workshops and events.
Learn more about Ethnic Studies outreach options.
Project Connect
Project Connect offers outreach events at specific times of the year.
Learn more at Project Connect.
Richard Oakes Multicultural Center
The Richard Oakes Multicultural Center offers programming across campus. You may want to visit one of their events.
Learn more about the Richard Oakes Multicultural Center.
