BERKELEY, Calif. (KCBS) -- Protestors gathered on the Cal campus Wednesday, as the UC Regents Finance Committee voted to raise tuition, with a final vote by the board Thursday.
KCBS Team Coverage: Tuition Hike
At least 40 picketers marched at the south entrance to campus. The word “Strike!” was spray painted in neon green on the sidewalk at Bancroft and Telegraph.
The regents approved a fee hike of over 30 percent, and discussed course cuts and layoffs.
Alex Habel of Danville is a freshman at UC Berkeley. He’s concerned that he could be looking at four, or more, years of higher fees, fewer classes, and instructor furloughs.
”Their job isn’t to take furloughs and not teach class on Friday,” said Habel. “They should be able to teach their class.”
UC says it has to raise fees to cover the $535 million shortfall brought on by state budget cuts.
Without the increase, good professors could leave, and the college’s reputation could decline.
Peter King, spokesman for the office of the president says it’s a necessary pain for students to endure.
”That’s one of the balancing points,” said King. “We know there’s pain, but there are greater pains we’re trying to avoid.
Picket picture courtesy CBS5.
(MGO)
E-Mail Story
Print Story
DW.pageParams = {
siteId: '255'
};
DW.clear();
DW.trackClicks();
