Delta College faculty boycott graduation ceremony over stalled contract negotiations

May 17—STOCKTON — Faculty members at San Joaquin Delta College boycotted Thursday's graduation ceremony, a decision they said was "made with heavy hearts and deep disappointment."

The crux of the boycott lies in the ongoing contract negotiations between the faculty and the college administration. Faculty members said they have been negotiating in good faith since November.

"We are committed to our students and our college, but we need an administration that respects and values our contributions," said Dr. Elizabeth Maloney, President of the San Joaquin Delta College Teachers Association. "It's time for meaningful dialogue around real numbers, so we can make real progress," she added.

Faculty said they are seeking higher compensation to account for high inflation and heavy workloads, and that the latest offer from the college was a "slap-in-the-face, insulting offer."

Faculty members said that while they are boycotting graduation this year, they had participated in many of the pre-commencement ceremonies over the past few weeks.

"We are heartbroken that we can't be there to celebrate our students' achievements," Professor Becky Plaza, Academic Senate President, said. This is a day we look forward to all year, and it pains us deeply to miss it."

The faculty said it hoped the boycott will bring renewed attention to the negotiations and ultimately lead to a resolution that benefits the entire college community.

The college said it does not comment on ongoing contract negotiations.

"Tonight we remain focused on celebrating the accomplishments of approximately 1,000 students who are expected to participate in our 89th annual commencement ceremony," the college said in a statement to the News-Sentinel. "Our students inspire us every day and we commend them for all that they have achieved."