- Laney College, Oakland:
Impassioned student protesters raised their voices today at Oakland's Laney College after the Board of Trustees supported state budget cuts and higher tuition. Fallout from the California state budget cuts has affected thousands of students and faculty. Students had pleaded with the Peralta Community College Board members to do the right thing and reject the cuts, but in the end another blow to higher education was the news students and faculty received. Outraged student protesters spoke to the media lamenting their dwindling options for higher eduction. Past budget cuts have already impacted student class size, pushing it to the limits that some faculty say lower their ability to give quality instruction. Additional cuts will cause increased overcrowding, only adding further frustration for students and instructors alike. A special session for the Board to further work on this situation is set for Jan 12.
- UB Berkeley protesters arrest:
No charges will be filed against any of the people arrested in connection with the Friday night attack on Chancellor's Robert Birgeneau's Berkeley home. Eight alleged vandals were arrested Friday after the attack and were held until Tuesday's arraignment at the Alameda County Court. Several other people ran away from the scene of the home attack when more police arrived. A cheer could be heard when the decision not to press charges was announced at the courthouse. Those held were released from Santa Rita jail on Tuesday night. Many protesters said they were outraged by the fee increases and feel committed to continue expressing their opposition to the tuition hikes, but at the same time were upset at what they said were violent tactics by a small group of trouble making protesters who actually were not students. Repair work is continuing at Chancellor Birgeneau's home.
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