Hundreds of demonstrations and marches are taking place in California and in San Diego County today. Students and teachers are protesting against further state education budget cuts in what’s called “A Day of Action.”
This is first time in recent history that student and teachers at all levels of public education are coming together on the same day to protest. Students at San Diego State University have a unique message.
They recorded video testimonials about how budget cuts have affected their lives. These personal messages will be sent to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Tina Solorzano-Fletcher is a senior at SDSU and works at a local community college. Her son attends a public school.
“So all of these budget cuts that you're proposing, Governor, is affecting all of my life,” said Solorzano-Fletcher as she recorded her own video testimonial. “My fees have gone up over $500 and I'm getting less instruction because of your mandatory furlough days.”
Data collected from SDSU and state officials show there will be 4,600 fewer students in the upcoming school year and 230 fewer teachers. There will also be more than 860 fewer classes.
