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Chico State University students protested cuts to education during a rally on campus...
CHICO -- Chico State University students Wednesday added their voices to a chorus to keep higher education a priority.
Chico police estimated 2,000 people participated in a rally that started on campus and continued to the Chico City Plaza.
Protesters heeded organizers' calls to speak out but refrain from violence. Last week, a handful of similar demonstrations across California and the country ended in violence or jeopardized safety.
The local protesters were vocal but orderly as they marched on sidewalks to City Plaza, chanting slogans and waving signs. Law enforcement was present, but appeared to remain at a distance.
Juan Mota, a freshman from Riverside studying molecular biology, watched the crowd gather in front of the plaza's band shell. He said the protest itself may not lead to major improvements, but it showed people are getting involved.
"It's starting something," Mota said.
Mota was concerned about cutbacks in state funding. He said less financial aid would jeopardize his ability to go to school and faculty furloughs cut back valuable instruction time.