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Millions give up on higher education because of cost, making ends meet, onerous student loan obligations, and poor job prospects for graduates. Federal and state governments as well as school administrations aren't helping.
Cost alone for many is too great to bear. States slashing higher education budgets compound the problem. In 2011, three dozen or more announced cuts exceeding $5 billion nationwide on top of others since 2008. In addition, sharp tuition and fee hikes are imposed in the face of less federal and state student aid.
As a result, growing thousands are entirely priced out, and millions face future debt bondage, often onerously for many years or life.
In 2011, California's legislature cut 23% from higher education - a whopping $650 million, the most in state history. At the same time, double-digit tuition and fee increases were imposed. Two years ago, the University of California raised tuition costs 32%.
On November 16, California State University trustees approved a 9% tuition and fee hike. Student rage forced them to another site to avoid confrontation. Across the state, sharp increases are common. In 2012, more are planned.
University of California (UC) president Mark Yudof proposed 8 - 16% increases annually for the next four years. Tuition costs in 2011 jumped 18% over 2010. Instead of refunding education, state legislators and Governor Jerry Brown plan more cuts. No wonder student rage intensifies for good reason.
On November 18, police assaulted protesting UC Davis students, sitting peacefully on the ground, arms linked. One or more officers pepper-sprayed dozens in the face. Two or more students were hospitalized. Onlookers expressed outrage for the incident.
Responsibility falls on school chancellor Linda Katehi. Police acted on her orders. She warned students to back off so others on campus "could learn and work in a safe, secure environment without disruption."
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