Message from the President: Mehserle Verdict Preparedness

  • July 2, 2010

Cal State East Bay Students, Faculty, and Staff:

As we are all keenly aware, a verdict is expected at any time in the trial of former BART police officer Johannes Mehserle.
 
Community leaders and law enforcement officials are advising us that, regardless of the outcome, there is a likelihood of demonstrations, civil unrest, and the disruption of transportation and other services in Oakland and surrounding communities.

The safety of our students, faculty, and staff is a primary concern of the University. I urge all members of the Cal State East Bay community to be well informed about trial developments.

While the University does not anticipate the need to cancel any classes or close any facilities, we are prepared to do so if the need arises. If cancellation or closure is necessary, we will give you as much notice as possible by e-mail, AlertMe phone and text messages, and information posted to the University’s Web site.

I join with leaders throughout the region in expressing my hope that all of us will continue to do our part to find common ground and maintain a strong, shared sense of responsibility for the welfare of our region.


Mohammad H. Qayoumi
President


General Steps to Help Stay Safe and Informed

  • Sign up for AlertMe, Cal State East Bay’s alerting and warning service for students, faculty, and staff, for whenever there is an immediate threat to safety or health affecting the campus community at (https://webapps.csueastbay.edu/secure/websvcs/alertme/).
  • Stay tuned to local TV and radio stations, such as KCBS All News Radio (740 AM).
  • Check regularly with reliable news Internet Web sites such as ; ; and .
  • Dial 911 from any landline telephone to report any crimes in progress and other emergencies you come across or witness.


    Additional Safety Steps Following the Mehserle Trial Verdict

  • Get short, timely messages from Oakland Police Department at , and the City of Oakland at .
  • Be aware of any violence or acts of civil unrest as a result of the trial verdict before you take any modes of public transportation such as BART and/or AC Transit Bus to travel between the University and your home.
  • Be aware of your surroundings at all times when walking on public streets, especially after a verdict is announced and any violence is reported.
  • On the day the verdict is announced, park your car in a secure location, if possible.
  • Remove or secure large trash receptacles near or outside your home, if you live in an area that may be affected.