A statewide walkout to protest the recent budget cuts is to occur this Wednesday. A rally in support of the walkout will be held in De Anza College’s main quad from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Students for Justice is organizing the event on campus in hopes of raising awareness about the budget to the student body, staff and faculty.
This event will help fill the gap of the canceled March in March, an annual march to protest fee increases and budget cuts.
“[Lobbyists] were willing to give up what had become the strongest platform for student voice in the State, the March in March, in order not to upset one or two politicians,” stated SFJ in an E-mail to the Foothill-De Anza Faculty Association.
“That was done at the expense of the real problems of the students, with the risk of reduction of classes and services and, despite rumors of the contrary, more fee increases.”
Wednesday’s rally is endorsed by the De Anza Associated Student Body Senate, as was March in March.
The Action in Defense of Education coalition will be organizing the walkout throughout the state for community colleges, California State Universities, University of California, and various community organizations.
According to the AIDE Web site, “AIDE is a network of students, teachers, workers, activists, organizers, community members, and advocates dedicated to creating a more unified educational movement.
Our goal is to re-prioritize education in California through collaborative use of education, outreach, organizing, mass community mobilization, and direct action as guiding principles.”
There are no plans for a walkout in De Anza but of a rally to support of student’s rights and sharing of information.
There will be an explanation of the budget and how it will be affecting students, staff and faculty.
Student speakers and union representatives from the FA and the classified union will be at the event. A march around campus is also in the works.
