BERKELEY, Calif. (KCBS/AP) -- Students, professors and other employees at the University of California's 10 campuses rallied on Thursday to protest deep budget cuts that have led to layoffs, furloughs, course reductions and higher fees.
KCBS Team Coverage: UC Protests
Anger over how the system is grappling with its largest budget deficit ever culminated in the massive protest. A $750 million cut from the state this year triggered proposals for a 31 percent fee hike and reduced classes.
“There’ s a serious crisis of priorities on the part of the UC regents because they are not taking from the executive compensation. They’re not taking from the highest paid workers,” said student Isaac Miller.
Rallies, teach-ins and class walkouts are expected during the systemwide protest Thursday, the first day of class at eight of UC's 10 campuses.
A union representing thousands of university technical employees held a one-day strike coinciding with the walkout because they have been working without a contract for 18 months.
University officials say the fee hikes and job cuts are needed as UC grapples with a massive budget shortfall caused by an unprecedented reduction in funding.
Dan Mogulof, a spokesman for UC Berkeley, acknowledged there's a lot of anger out there over the budget cuts but said teachers do have a responsibility to notify students in advance if classes are cancelled, and to adhere to cover all the material in the syllabus.
Mogulof expects peaceful protests at the several picket sites around the Berkeley campus.
(jro)
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