Students, professors and other employees at the University of California‘s 10 campuses rallied Thursday to protest deep budget cuts that have led to layoffs, furloughs, course reductions and higher fees.
Rallies, teach-ins and class walkouts were expected during the systemwide protest Thursday, the first day of classes at eight of UC’s 10 campuses.
A union representing thousands of university technical employees is holding a one-day strike because they have been working without a contract for 18 months.
Protest organizers say they are angry about the university administration’s handling of the budget crisis.
UC officials say the fee hikes and job cuts are needed as the university grapples with a massive budget shortfall caused by an unprecedented reduction in funding.
