Resolution to Demand Resignation of Mark Johnson at Cal Poly Humboldt

Date: November 1, 2024

The North Coast Progressive Alliance respectfully demands the immediate resignation of Mark Johnson for the following reasons:

WHEREAS

• During the events of April 22nd through April 29th, 2024, Mark Johnson as Chief of Staff endangered and caused physical and psychological harm to students of Cal Poly Humboldt through his response to student protesters in the following ways:

  • Mark Johnson failed to listen to student protesters, and instead escalated the situation by bringing law enforcement from not only UPD but also APD and EPD to forcefully remove students from Siemen’s Hall.

  • Mark Johnson’s decision-making directly led to the avoidable physical injury of both students and law enforcement, resulting in the hospitalization of at least one student. 

• Mark Johnson’s decision-making damaged the relationship the University holds with students and the community.

  • Johnson’s fear indicates his inadequacy in managing Student activism – a practice deeply entrenched in the history of Cal Poly Humboldt University, and Mark Johnson’s conduct was unacceptable. 

  • Mark Johnson used language referring to protestors as violent, dangerous criminals, creating a divide between protesters and the rest of the student body, falsely claiming other students were unsafe on campus.

  • Mark Johnson’s lack of communication fostered unnecessary distrust between  students and administration. 

  • Mark Johnson’s impulsive decision-making and lack of deescalation demonstrates he should not be in a position of leadership.

• The North Coast Progressive Alliance supports the rights of students to assemble and demonstrate without fear of retaliation. The events of April 22, 2024 directly violated these rights.

• The North Coast Progressive Alliance advocates for transparency and accountability from public institutions such as California State University. Mark Johnson’s promotion to Interim Vice President for University Advancement reveals a lack of accountability for Mark Johnson’s decision-making during April 2024. 

BE IT RESOLVED

• The North Coast Progressive Alliance demands the resignation of Mark Johnson from his employment at Cal Poly Humboldt.  

• That this resignation is necessary to hold our public institutions accountable for their harmful actions, as well as repair the relationship between the University, students, and the community.

• That this resolution be distributed to:

  • The Office of the Chancellor of California State University

  • The Academic Senate of California State University

  • Interim University President Michael E. Spagna

  • The University Senate of Cal Poly Humboldt

  • Governor Gavin Newsom, State of California

  • Senator Mike McGuire, President Pro Tempore of California Senate

  • Representative Jared Huffman, US House of Representatives

  • Media outlets across Humboldt County

Signed: David Cobb, Coordinator of the North Coast Progressive Alliance ncprogressives.org