DOMINIQUEZ HILLS, Calif. – Launched on March 3, the “Alliance for the CSU” is a statewide campaign protesting the proposed budget cut of $386 million to the California State University (CSU) system.
The group, which is comprised of faculty, administrators, staff and students, argues that the governor’s draft budget proposal will have a severely negative effect on the state education system.
Alliance members said the total impact of the cut equates to the closure of the five smallest CSU campuses, whose current combined budgets equal about $386 million. It could also result in 10,000 new students statewide being refused admission.
The proposed cuts could reduce course offerings and student-support services for existing students. Faculty may face fewer support services and increased workloads.
The protestors said the most devastating result could be for the low-income and working population, who consider the CSU system to be the only affordable option.
CSU endured about $500 million in funding cuts from 2002 to 2004 and has seen student fees double in the past five years. University officials foresee an additional 10 percent increase in fees if the proposed budget cut is accepted.
