Lane Community College recently emailed students stating that “your education comes first” and outlining contingency plans in the event of a faculty work stoppage. While we acknowledge the College’s intent to minimize disruption, this message does not address the core issues students and faculty have been raising for months.

Planning for disruption is not the same as preventing it.

The College’s message does not guarantee small, equitable class sizes, does not secure faculty staffing for spring term courses required for graduation, and does not restore the more than 100 courses already cut from the catalog. These losses directly limit access and delay degree completion.

The email also fails to explain the proposed 8 million dollars in budget cuts, especially alongside a tuition increase from $144 per credit to $149 per credit. It does not provide transparency on why the College President received a 10% increase , while faculty working without a contract are being offered an effective 1% cost of living increase.

The message does not address campus safety concerns, including protections related to ICE, nor does it restore access to the Longhouse for cultural gatherings for Native American students. These omissions matter.

Students are asking the College to invest in people, not prolonged legal negotiations. Investing in faculty means investing in students through stable staffing, fair wages, and learning environments that support success.

Students do not want contingency plans. We want stability, transparency, and a College that stands with us.

Stand with students and faculty in calling for a fair contract now and an education system that puts student success first. Join us today at the peaceful student-led picket from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM in front of Building 1 on campus.

Please continue to share this petition and make your voice heard. Thank you for your continued support.