Unlike last year’s “Day of Action,” the California Faculty Association (CFA) did not aid in organizing or sponsoring Wednesday’s student protest.

CFA lecturer representative Antonio Gallo spoke at the protest in the afternoon in support of the students. He said it was important to build a popular movement.

Theresa Montano, president of the CSUN CFA chapter, said they continue to support the students.

According to Brian Ferguson, CFA staff, there are different student and faculty groups at each campus that chose whether or not to participate in the March 2 Day of Action for Education protest.

Some CSUN professors said they did not know why the CFA chose not to organize or sponsor the March 2 protest.

“I don’t know, but I do see a lot of faculty out here,” said professor of gender and women’s studies Sheena Malhotra. “I think students, faculty and administrators should be involved.”

Professor Kathryn Sorrellos, communication studies major, speculated students wanted to take the lead this time around.

During last year’s protest, four CSUN students and a Valley College student were arrested. CSUN professor Karren Baird-Olson suffered a shattered humerus bone after the police attempted to break up the protest at the intersection of Prairie Street and Reseda Boulevard.

Harry Hellenbrand, provost and vice president of academic affairs, said last year’s furloughs raised the stakes.

“They wanted to let the student do their own thing,” Hellenbrand said. “I think there might have been some confusion over who was in charge last year, but I don’t think that was the reason.”

Hellenbrand speculated that the CFA and students will have to come together in May, however, to get the tax extensions passed.

On April 13 the CFA will host “class-action,” a statewide day of action that is meant to support higher education and include March-4 style activities, according to the CFA website.