Students Prep For Day Of Action To Protest Cuts
CUPERTINO, Calif. -- Rallies, marches, walkouts and other actions are planned throughout the Bay Area and the state Thursday in response to cuts to public education, including a rally that could bring thousands of people to San Francisco's Civic Center.Posted: 10:37 pm PST March 3,2010Updated: 2:58 am PST March 4,2010
In the Bay Area, thousands of people are expected to attend events in San Francisco and at UC Berkeley with additional rallies scheduled in a half-dozen other cities.
Students at De Anza College in Cupertino have put up al "tent city" to protest the state budget cuts to education. The De Anza protest started Sunday and is set to culminate with hundreds of students boarding buses Thursday morning and heading to a larger protest in San Francisco.
"I won't be able to go to a UC here in California because they're raising the tuition 32 percent. I can't afford that, so I'll have to go out of state to go to college," said De Anza student Laura Bullock.
Another student, Kenny Li also expressed his frustration.
"California was ranked top 5 in the nation three decades ago. Now we're ranked bottom five in the nation," said Li.
That frustration is shared by many students, teachers and parents involved in public education. At San Francisco's Sheridan Elementary School, students were busy making signs for Thursday's events.
"We're hoping the public education system in California will help him and other children to excel to succeed," said San Francisco resident Neil Matsui, who has a son in kindergarten.
The uncertainty over funding of public education is a strong motivator for many who plan to take part in the day of action.
"We're shortchanging the students," said third grade teacher David Scott.
Students at De Anza College in Cupertino have put up al "tent city" to protest the state budget cuts to education. The De Anza protest started Sunday and is set to culminate with hundreds of students boarding buses Thursday morning and heading to a larger protest in San Francisco.
"I won't be able to go to a UC here in California because they're raising the tuition 32 percent. I can't afford that, so I'll have to go out of state to go to college," said De Anza student Laura Bullock.
Another student, Kenny Li also expressed his frustration.
"California was ranked top 5 in the nation three decades ago. Now we're ranked bottom five in the nation," said Li.
That frustration is shared by many students, teachers and parents involved in public education. At San Francisco's Sheridan Elementary School, students were busy making signs for Thursday's events.
"We're hoping the public education system in California will help him and other children to excel to succeed," said San Francisco resident Neil Matsui, who has a son in kindergarten.
The uncertainty over funding of public education is a strong motivator for many who plan to take part in the day of action.
"We're shortchanging the students," said third grade teacher David Scott.
