Teacher’s Protest Evolves Into Fast

Villa Park High math teacher Robert Cameron on Wednesday marked an anniversary.

“This is the end of my second week of living in the high school,” the 63-year-old teacher said. “Obviously, what I’m doing is having no effect. Something more has to be done.”

So Cameron, who has been staying at the high school round the clock to call attention to stalled teacher contract talks in the Orange Unified School District, at noon Wednesday began a second, simultaneous protest.

He said he would eat no more solid foods until a contract settlement is reached.

“Breakfast this morning was my last meal,” he said. “Maybe this will do some good. Maybe people will want to get this settled so I can get something to eat.”

Cameron has not participated in the strike in Orange Unified, which includes Villa Park High in the city of Orange. He has remained inside the school, teaching classes during the day and sleeping on a foam-type mattress in his classroom at night.

He said he had thought his form of protest was more constructive than a strike because his students did not suffer. He said he understands the plight of both the teachers’ union and the school board in the 15-month impasse over a contract and pay raise for teachers.

“The school board is being commendably careful about the financial situation of the school district,” Cameron said. “But on the other hand, the teachers deserve more than they’re getting. But nothing is happening (in contract talks). No one is going to win, and both sides have to recognize that.”

Cameron has been a math and science teacher for 32 years. He has two grown sons. “I also have four grandchildren, and they think I’m crazy too for doing this,” he said.

“But to me a principle is involved. I hope that maybe I can bring both sides to their senses. The board is adamant now in its position, and I’ve never seen so much animosity as there now is among the teachers.”

Cameron said he will continue to live inside Villa Park High, where his wife and friends have visited and brought him suppers.

The visits will continue. The meals will end.

“I have some friends who are researching how a long-term fast might hurt me,” he said. “I’m tired from this past two weeks, but it’s being out of place that makes me tired. I’m in fairly good health, though.

“I just think something must be done.”