Concerted Activity Information

Yes. As a public institution, SDSU both supports and promotes the freedom of expression for students, faculty, staff and general community members visiting campus. A rally should not interfere with students being able to complete their courses and graduate on time. Because of the university’s obligations to teaching, research and the support of our students, the university plans to continue its operations in the event of any demonstrations or other activities. Any action toward those who choose to rally that is retaliatory in nature is not allowed, and the university will not tolerate any form of retaliation. It is important that we, as colleagues and a community, allow each other the freedom to decide whether to participate in concerted activity without fear of retaliation. Retaliatory behavior may be subject to discipline. 

The Oct. 21 activity is a rally, not a strike. SDSU respects employees’ legal rights related to demonstrations and other activities. Employees should follow applicable policies and guidance from their supervisors and refer questions about union activity to their respective unions.

No. Managers should not survey or communicate with employees about their intention to participate in a rally. Importantly, the Oct. 21 activity is a rally, not a strike. 

Asking employees about their intention to rally could be found to violate employee rights under labor law and commenting on participation in the rally can be construed as interference or retaliation. Employees in supervisory or managerial roles should refrain from engaging in conversations with union members about any aspects of the rally. You are not to ask union members if, when or how they will engage in rallies and other related activities. It is also important that supervisors and managers avoid making statements condemning or praising individuals' protected activities. These guidelines apply to verbal and written communications, including postings on social media.

Yes. If an employee asks a question, managers can respond to his/her questions. However, represented employees should be referred to their respective unions about specific questions regarding union membership and union activities.  Importantly, the Oct. 21 activity is a rally, not a strike. 

No, management-level professionals are not permitted to engage in rallies, strikes or sympathy strikes, per California State University system policy. The Oct. 21 activity is a rally, not a strike. 

Rallying and other forms of union demonstration should not occur on paid university time. Faculty and staff have the right to withhold work and strike, just as faculty and staff have the right not to strike and to continue to engage in work or teaching. Faculty and staff should check with their respective managers about any scheduling changes. The Oct. 21 activity is a rally, not a strike. 

Except where the discussion is directly relevant to a course’s learning outcomes, faculty cannot and should not use class time to discuss issues related to the rally. Faculty should never try to persuade a student to support or oppose the rally. Nor should faculty require a student to support the rally, stay away from campus or walk out of a class as part of a class assignment or in exchange for a grade. Again, the Oct. 21 activity is a rally, not a strike. 

The California State University system and SDSU both have a long tradition of respecting the civil expression of individual views, and individual employees are free to express their views. Employees have the choice to engage in protest activities, but such participation should occur during non-work time, should not conflict with their agreed upon work duties and should not violate established university policies.

Yes, you should continue to meet your work obligations. Should there be any changes in your availability or schedule, be sure to contact your direct supervisor. Your supervisor will also contact you if they expect any specific job- or travel-related impacts.

Yes, support services remain available to students, faculty and staff. Students will be able to access university resources, to include Student Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, the library, the writing and math centers, dining facilities, the food pantry, cultural and resource centers, other campus offices and other programs and services.

If an employee feels they are being harassed for lawfully engaging in a rally or other related activity, or if an employee has been harassed or prevented from working by employees involved in the rally, the employee should notify their supervisor or contact the Center for Human Resources Labor and Employee Relations manager by emailing [email protected]. 

October 20, 2026: Rally Planned on Campus Tomorrow, Oct. 21
February 12, 2026: Concerted Activity Information and Guidance