On June 2, a crowd of about 50 protestors gathered outside Cheadle Hall at the University of California, Santa Barbara, erupting in cheers after receiving news that Las Maestras Center (LMC) would not be closed. The center, founded in 2017 by professors Celia Herrera Rodríguez and Cherríe Moraga, supports Latinx communities through art and critical thought, often collaborating with the local Chumash tribe.
The university had considered terminating the center following the professors' retirements, requesting the return of keys by June 30. In response, organizers collected 777 petition signatures and sent numerous letters to administrators.
The rally started near Storke Tower, with participants chanting slogans like "Save our center, save our pride," and playing ukuleles. Speakers, including a Unión del Barrio member and graduate student John Jairo Valencia, emphasized the importance of direct action in preserving cultural spaces.
Attendees shared personal experiences, highlighting the center's role in legitimizing earth-based spirituality and community connections. After marching through several campus buildings, protestors arrived at Cheadle Hall, demanding Chancellor Dennis Assanis's attention.
Dean of Humanities and Fine Arts Daina Ramey Berry, in consultation with Rodríguez and Moraga, announced that LMC would stay in its current location in South Hall 1415. Valencia acknowledged the victory but stressed the ongoing fight to protect other threatened cultural spaces on campus.