The State - News from Aug. 23, 1988

Three state legislators and several former student leaders criticized Chico State University President Robin Wilson for attempting to take over student-run campus businesses. Rusty Areias (D-Salinas), an assemblyman and former president of the Associated Students at Chico State, hailed the student-run bookstore, copy shop and food services as efficiently run operations that provide student jobs and help keep costs down. Areias, who said he earned his “political spurs” while in student government, called the takeover attempt the “academic equivalent of the Russian invasion of Afghanistan.” He pledged to help students fight to retain control of the businesses. Wilson was out of town and unavailable for comment. Earlier this month, Wilson sent a letter to the Associated Students, announcing that two new organizations would be formed to operate the commercial services and student union. A court ruling has halted further action pending a preliminary hearing Sept. 16.