A lecturer’s punk rock tactics for salary protests

Behind David Gill’s motivation for the flyers around campus regarding President Mahoney’s salary

Kathia Noriega and Kiren Kaur • Dec 22, 2024

David Gill has been an educator at San Francisco State University for 17 years, teaching as a lecturer in the English department. Before pursuing college, he took part in a punk rock band, something that influenced his life heavily. He developed kidney failure at 22 years old, which led him to seek a replacement kidney and reevaluate his life. His journey led him to San Francisco, particularly SFSU, which is where he finished his bachelor’s degree in creative writing in 2003 and got his master’s degree in literature in 2006.

School was never Gill’s niche, which led him to feel more connected to students on a different level. “I’m good at reaching people who aren’t necessarily interested in education because I can relate to them,” Gill said. “I know how to show people what’s cool. That’s what I did as an artist and a writer.”

It was announced that Gill would be one of the many lecturers getting cut this semester due to budget cuts. As someone who dedicated a great amount of time to the institution, Gill felt a mix of emotions that dictated his response, ranging from anger to sadness. To act, Gill used his punk rock beliefs as a motivation to address what he felt is a concern during these budget cuts: President Lynn Mahoney’s salary.

Produced by Kathia Noriega Toloza and Kiren Kaur. Edited by Kathia Noriega Toloza.

About the Contributors

Kathia Noriega, Managing Editor

Kathia Noriega (she/her) is the managing editor for Golden Gate Xpress. She is a journalism major with a media literacy minor. She was born in Redwood City but grew up in San Mateo, California. Before transferring to San Francisco State University, she attended Skyline College and was the sports editor for the student newspaper, The Skyline View. In her spare time, Kathia loves watching sports highlights and listening to music. If you happen to catch her listening to music, it’s probably either J. Cole or Bad Bunny. Kathia Noriega (ella) es la directora general de Golden Gate Xpress. Estudia Periodismo con una Especialización en Alfabetización Mediática. Nació en Redwood City, pero creció en San Mateo, California. Antes de transferirse a la Universidad Estatal de San Francisco, asistió a Skyline College y fue la editora deportiva del periódico estudiantil, The Skyline View. En su hora libre, a Kathia le encanta ver resúmenes deportivos y escuchar música. Si la ves escuchando música, probablemente sea J. Cole o Bad Bunny.

Kiren Kaur, Engagement Editor

Kiren Kaur (she/her) is the engagement editor for Golden Gate Xpress. She is majoring in journalism and minoring in international relations. A Sacramento native, she was born in Rancho Cordova but grew up in Elk Grove. She transferred from Cosumnes River College to San Francisco State University to pursue her degree in journalism. A traveler and explorer at heart, Kiren aspires to cover travel journalism in the future, but she also hopes to cover various sports beats including soccer, basketball and tennis. Beyond her journalistic pursuits, Kiren enjoys traveling, eating, partaking in charity events, and giving back to the community. Kiren Kaur (ella) es redactora de participación para Golden Gate Xpress. Estudia Periodismo y se especializa en Relaciones Internacionales. Originalmente de Sacramento, nació en Rancho Cordova, pero creció en Elk Grove. Se transfirió de Cosumnes River College a la Universidad Estatal de San Francisco para dedicarse al periodismo. Como viajera y exploradora, Kiren desea ser periodista de viajes en el futuro, además de escribir sobre varios deportes, incluyendo el fútbol, baloncesto y tenis. Aparte de sus intereses periodísticos, a Kiren le gusta viajar, comer, participar en eventos benéficos y ayudar a la comunidad.