|
|
|
|
|
Backed by fiberglass sculptures representing students denied access to community colleges, CCA President Cathy Crane McCoy delivers remarks to rally participants. CCA Board of Directors member Chaumonde Porterfield-Pyatt and students from the College of the Sequoias form a drum brigade in the march. |
More than 8,000 students, faculty and staff held a second "Keep the Door Open" march and rally in Sacramento to urge the state Legislature to properly fund the community college system.
Students are especially upset by a proposal that would raise student fees to $26 a unit, a 136 percent increase over what they were paying a year ago.
Speakers, including Community College Association President Cathy Crane McCoy, addressed the marchers from a platform crowded with 125 colorful fiberglass statues sent from campuses to represent the 175,000 students who have been denied access to classes since budget cuts began last year.
The spirited rally also brought out a number of legislators and public officials including State Treasurer Phil Angelides, State Controller Steve Westly, Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante, Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, state Senators Richard Alarcon, Jack Scott and Gloria Romero, and Assembly Members Ron Pacheco and Mark Leno. The legislators vowed to support the students but urged them to flex their political muscles and vote.
Marching alongside students and faculty members before the rally were CTA President Barbara E. Kerr and Lt. Gov. Bustamante.