Editorial: Speak out against fee hikes and budget cuts

The UC Board of Regents plans to meet on Wednesday and one topic on the agenda is the discussion of the governor’s proposed budget cuts, which includes a 10 percent cut to UC funding.

If the governor’s plan is accepted, student fees could be increased by at least 7 percent ““ and perhaps much more ““ to compensate for the lack of state allocated funds.

The UC could also decrease enrollment, cut student outreach programs, tighten the purse during union contract negotiations, and stall efforts to pay professors market-level salaries.

The regents need to stand up to the governor and the legislature to make sure higher education remains a priority on the budget, and the students and unions need to do the same.

Now is the time for students to rally and speak out against this drastic cut in funds before and at the regents meeting.

Students need to make sure board members understand their concerns and are willing to stand up to the state, because a hard-nosed stand from the regents on this issue could keep fees down for future generations of students.

Student activism and lobbying is effective, and should be utilized.

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