Mario Savio Back in Berkeley, Urging Opposition to Prop. 187
Firebrand free speech activist Mario Savio, who rallied hundreds of UC Berkeley students during the 1960s Free Speech Movement, returned to campus Friday to encourage opposition to Proposition 187.
Standing on the steps of the main administration building Savio addressed a crowd of more than 800 gathered to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Free Speech Movement. He called on the audience to practice and support civil disobedience if the initiative receives court approval.
Proposition 187, overwhelmingly passed by California voters in November, denies public health and educational services to illegal immigrants.
“This is American know-nothing fascist,” Savio said. “We need to stop it.
“Find out how this law impinges directly on every class of people: on students, on workers, on teachers,” Savio said.
His remarks were met with enthusiastic applause.
Veterans of the Free Speech Movement, which led the university to repeal restrictions on political speeches, have come from around the country to participate in rallies, panel discussions on current political issues and in more lighthearted celebrations for five days ending Sunday.
Los Angeles City Councilwoman Jackie Goldberg and Jack Weinberg, head of the Berkeley chapter of Racial Equality in 1964 and now a Greenpeace International official, also were among those attending.
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