Organizers said they seek to dramatize mounting frustration as the recession forces deep cuts in higher-education budgets, especially in California, whose higher-education system is both largest in the nation and facing the deepest cuts. Colleges in Virginia and Maryland and across the nation have raised tuition, cut positions and absorbed funding cuts, but not to the extent as in California.
California student activists declared Thursday a Day of Action to Defend Public Education, and rallies were planned for nearly every college and university campus in the state, in addition to several K-12 schools. The University of California at Santa Cruz, expecting disruptions, had advised employees and others not to come to campus Thursday. Dozens of students blocked roads, prohibiting drivers from entering the campus at its main and west entrances. There were also reports of students intimidating employees. At Berkeley, the Academic Senate urged protesters to "stay on your feet" and offered helpful hints for those who chose arrest. Organizers hoped to spur events in 30 other states.
"There are student activists all over the country who are looking to California as something to emulate," said Doug Singsen, 32, a graduate student at the City University of New York who has helped organize events outside California. "We want this to be the beginning of a movement that gets stronger."
At the University of Maryland in College Park, some students walked out of classes at noon. About four dozen people gathered at the student union and then marched to an academic building that was decorated with posters reading "Demand nothin occupy 'erything'" and "Life sucks, Let's dance." Early this afternoon students discussed how much money goes toward athletics and how to grow their small movement. Junior Marty Handelman heard about the rally from a flier and decided to attend. "It really clicked. This is really important and I should really be a part of this," said Handelman, 21. "This is really just a gathering about what's wrong with public education."