“We won”: Adan Campos and CSWA celebrate rehiring contract at Grove House party

More than 40 students and workers from the 5Cs gathered at the Pitzer Grove House with wide and triumphant smiles. To the music of two student bands, and while munching on donuts, cheese and crackers, they exchanged conversations and hugs at the end of a long, tumultuous battle. Finally, after a year, the students and workers had won: Pitzer had agreed to rehire Adan into the next open position.  

On March 6, CSWA hosted a party to celebrate Pitzer agreeing to rehire Adan. As attendees gathered, ate food and listened to live music, Campos, Pitzer painter Tommy Morales and students from CSWA gave speeches celebrating their win. The win comes after a year of student and worker organizing for Campos to be rehired after Pitzer unjustly fired him from his position due to his DACA work authorization being expired and taking longer than expected to renew. 

Campos began his speech to a chorus of cheers, “We did it. We won.”

He shared his gratitude for the students’ continuous support. “Thank you guys for showing up for those delegations and being there. Without all you guys, I know this wouldn’t be possible.” 

Tommy Morales, a Pitzer painter and shop steward, also gave a speech reminding students of their ability to make positive change at the colleges. 

“You really do have power here, and the way you’re using your power is beautiful because that’s what we need. This world [may] seem like it’s crumbling; it just feels like that though. The power that you’re using is making this world better, and it warms my heart. That’s why I stay here,” he said.

One student from CSWA emphasized the importance of the celebration, amid the chatter and music. 

“It is important for people and communities to celebrate wins whenever they come because it can happen. We wanted people to come together, not just when we’re fighting [for] something, but when we’re enjoying each other’s presence,” they said. 

Another student who attended the party came to support and celebrate Campos’ rehiring. 

“I’m here today because I know it’s been such a tumultuous journey to get him back to a position that he rightfully shouldn’t have been forced out of simply because of the circumstances [of his documentation],” they said. “As an immigrant, I relate to [his] struggles, and I really value the community that helped bring something like this to a successful outcome.” 

While the party symbolized the momentous win that CSWA and the Pitzer union have been fighting for since last December, students highlighted that it was still important to remember that the fight was not over. 

The CSWA member said, “We know that our fight to rehire Adan is part of a bigger fight to ensure that all workers, regardless of documentation status, receive the respect they deserve. It is a fight more important than ever right now because of the violence that we’re seeing from the government. We’re building and maintaining our relationships with workers and students on campus to ensure that we’re ready to respond and to support whatever comes ahead.”