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Map via StudentActivism.net | View March 4 Day of Action in a larger map
Tomorrow's National Day of Action to Defend Education will beget protests across the country, spanning 32 states with over hundred events planned in California alone. A variety of issues are at hand, most notably budget cuts to higher education and tuition hikes. However, as the Student Activism blog notes, "there is no one coordinating group behind March 4, no one agenda, no one ideological perspective."
At least 10 are occurring in the Los Angeles, including ones at CSUN, UCLA, Cal State LA, CSULB and Pershing Square in downtown, where rush hour impacts are anticipated.
Already today, students took action at Cal State Fullerton by reportedly barricading themselves in a building during the early morning hours. Police apparently cited and released them, banning from campus for a week, according to Student Activism.
"California legislators have cut $17 billion from public education spending in the last two years, which has resulted in big changes across the board," explained USC Neon Tommy's Callie Schweitzer. "The UC system voted to increase tuition 32 percent in November, which met much resistance, and has led to increased class sizes, lay offs and the elimination of some classes and programs."
Budget cuts to the community college system means 21,000 students will be turned away next year.
Police across the state are also marking preparations for tomorrow, says Laura Nelson at NeonTommy. Of concern is a repeat of the violence at last week's U.C. Berkeley protest. Protestors will also be prepared, noted Nelson. "The Los Angeles March 4 Planning Committee said Saturday they planned to pass out rags soaked in vinegar to protect their faces if police use tear gas."
