CSUSM faculty senate is correct: William Craven should not be honored at CSUSM
The Academic Senate endorsed renaming Craven Hall due to the legislator’s controversial remarks toward the Hispanic community.
April 26, 2021
The CSUSM Academic Senate voted to show their support of removing all campus associations with late California Legislator William Craven on April 7. This proposed motion would include renaming Craven Hall, Craven Circle and Craven Road, as well as removing a bust of Craven.
The decision is ultimately up to President Neufeldt, who has appointed a special council to help investigate Craven before a decision on renaming is made.
This vote by CSUSM faculty members should come as no surprise, as the late legislator has become controversial due to his prejudiced remarks concerning Hispanic immigrants. It seems right to remove a figure who is against inclusive ideals, as CSUSM is a school that has a significant number of minority students.
Although the decision to rename the building is favorable, it brings a question as to why Craven is an important figure at CSUSM to begin with. If he was so controversial, why praise his existence?
Truthfully, I asked myself this question because I was unaware of who Craven was until I heard the news. Since my physical experience on campus lasted a semester and a half, I was never interested in looking into CSUSM’s history. However, after researching Craven’s background, his connection to the school quickly made sense.
According to The Los Angeles Times, Craven was a politician for 25 years in Southern California. One of his several accomplishments included serving as a State Senator and Craven’s “crowning achievement…in the Legislature was the creation of Cal State San Marcos” in 1989.
In addition to the school, Craven served on several councils within San Diego County. Craven’s resume undoubtedly makes him an influential figure in the county’s history.
Understanding that CSUSM’s existence is due to the legislator’s power justifies why he became the face of the school. At the time, it would have seemed disrespectful to not honor his efforts.
However, even though Craven is a part of CSUSM’s history, his comments and views should not be ignored for the sake of honor. Craven represents everything the school is against in terms of inclusion.
All in all, I agree with the Academic Senate’s support of renaming campus properties named after Craven.
In its place, the school should rename the building after someone who actively fought for equality, especially one who is also attached to the school. Doing this shows that CSUSM truly cares about its students and faculty, no matter their background. It would signal that everyone is welcome and respected at the campus and that intolerance has no place there.
Craven’s name should not be erased from CSUSM entirely, as acknowledging his impact is critical when discussing the school’s history. Prejudiced people are capable of doing good things; CSUSM just happens to be Craven’s good thing.
This does not mean that we should still idolize him, as his remarks caused harm to people of color in San Diego. I am Hispanic myself, so I am aware of how my community is perceived by those who are comfortable with their ignorance. Craven is not someone I would want to represent me, and I’m sure that anyone who also fights for equality would say the same.
Honors and memorabilia are reserved for people who have created a positive impact. However, when the honoree’s true colors are revealed, it can be difficult to respect their honor knowing that you are everything they are against. This rings true for the renaming situation and I commend the Academic Senate for dealing with it sincerely.
Natalie Navarro is an Assistant Opinion Editor for The Cougar Chronicle. She is a sophomore at CSUSM as a literature and writing major, as well as a theatre minor. After graduating, Natalie plans to further her education and become a teacher. She loves to read and play with her dogs.
Val Mid • Jan 26, 2023 at 7:49 pm
I am very concerned about the petition and the votes because the petition and those who voted for the removal possibly be accused for supporting white supremacy. The serious allegations contradict William A. Craven’s service (if the same person) in WW2’s Allied Forces, since many of them have fought and died against Nazis and Fascists (real symbols of white supremacy). Please reflect and review the info until further notice.
LaLa • May 14, 2021 at 3:44 pm
This article states Craven is known for some racist remarks, but does not quote the remarks. What are they and in what context, so we can better judge? I had heard he counted immigrants attending and this was considered racist. However, the context of that was to obtain additional funding to better educate. So, before we condemn Craven, who certainly cared about education and fought to obtain additional funding to help support the education of immigrants, may we be educated as to what he said rather than just being told he said something. We need the entire story. Thank you.
WebSocialMediaManager • May 14, 2021 at 5:58 pm
Thanks for your comment. Below are some paragraphs from a story published in The Coast News that may be helpful give you some more background on the issue.
“Craven’s reported comments date back to as early as 1991 when he spearheaded an attempt to learn the financial impact that undocumented immigrants have on schools and public agencies in San Diego County.
The Oceanside Republican, whose early political career included a seat on the County Board of Supervisors, wrote to every school district and city in the county and to county officials, asking them to do a headcount of suspected undocumented immigrants who use public services.
In March of 1993, Craven also came under fire for reportedly stating in the San Diego Union-Tribune that migrant workers were on a lower scale of humanity.
In October of 1994, he advocated for the state legislature’s exploration of requiring all Latinx residents to carry ID cards to prove citizenship.”
(Everything I just quoted is from this story written by Coast News reporter Tigist Layne: https://thecoastnews.com/csusm-begins-cutting-school-ties-with-controversial-state-legislator/)
Best,
Anneliese Esparza, editor-in-chief
Sue Brown • Feb 22, 2022 at 7:29 am
Here we go with another uninformed, biased, racist individual who is twisting the truth, facts and history. Senator Craven was speaking to the “Economics” of the times and the impact on the area and the less fortunate and the lack of educational opportunities. It discussed me that some individuals are so full of hate and vitriol!
Chris Hatfield • Jan 31, 2023 at 11:51 am
So right, Sue. Once again, the vocal minority re-write history due to social media inflation and a perverse lack of context. Senator Craven cared about all Californians, and was active in attempting to protect abuses of the welfare and educational systems by INELIGIBLE people, regardless of race or country. BTW, rather roughly written article, Natalie. Brush up on your basic writing skills, or try reading Strunk and White’s Guide.