Long Beach Students and Faculty Unite Against Budget Cuts

News Summary

In Long Beach, California, around 100 students and faculty members rallied at CSULB against proposed budget cuts by Governor Newsom that threaten diversity and equity programs. This event was part of a broader ‘Week of Action’ across CSU campuses aimed at safeguarding funding and advocating for undocumented students. As protests continue, concerns over financial transparency and restrictions on free speech have also emerged, highlighting the urgent need for solidarity in the face of significant educational challenges.

Long Beach Students and Faculty Unite Against Budget Cuts

In the sunny city of Long Beach, California, a vibrant crowd gathered on March 26 at Cal State Long Beach (CSULB) to express their concerns about the latest proposed budget cuts that could affect both students and faculty members across the California State University (CSU) system. Around 100 passionate protestors came together, marching from the upper campus towards Brotman Hall, with a shared goal: to defend the crucial diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, alongside support for the undocumented student community.

A Week of Action Unfolds

This event was just one of many activities as part of a broader “Week of Action.” The rally sparked on March 24 with similar demonstrations at Cal State San Marcos, followed by an event at Cal State LA the next day. Students and faculty across the CSU system are coming together to stand against California Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed budget cuts and layoffs impacting the educational institution.

What’s the Rumble About?

The central focus of the protests? To safeguard funding for essential programs while advocating for CSU campuses to declare sanctuary status for undocumented students to shield them from the reach of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Protestors voiced their determination to resist cuts that threaten ethnic studies courses and other diversity initiatives that foster a welcoming environment for all.

Voices from the Student Body

Among the protestors was CSULB student Luis Ortiz, who articulated the sentiments of a student group named For Undocumented Empowered Leaders (FUEL). There was an air of disappointment regarding how the administration has handled the challenges faced by undocumented students. Many students reported feelings of oppression, citing a lack of safety and inadequate support from the university.

Various organizations joined in solidarity, with representatives from groups like Anakbayan Long Beach, La Fuerza, CSULB Students for Justice in Palestine, and members of the faculty association making their voices heard. CSULB officials, however, reassured attendees that they would protect students’ immigration status and personal information unless legally required to disclose it. The university’s spokesperson acknowledged the community’s anxieties and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that all students feel safe and supported.

Highlighting the Need for Transparency

The rally also shed light on another pressing issue: financial transparency. Protestors are voicing their concerns over the CSU’s financial strategies and how funds are being allocated. Many believe that the financial deficit should not be passed onto the students who rely on these vital resources to further their education. With approximately 9,500 undocumented students in the CSU system benefiting from non-resident tuition exemptions, the stakes have never been higher.

Governor Newsom’s proposed budget cuts amounting to a jaw-dropping $375 million for the 2025-26 academic year poses a serious threat to the CSU system, equating to a staggering nearly 8% reduction. For context, this sum matches the entire operating budget of Fresno State, impacting roughly 2,481 faculty positions and a whopping 19,800 courses.

Free Speech on Campus

As protests continue to unfold across the state, activists are challenging the CSU’s “Time, Place and Manner policy,” which critics argue restricts free speech and limits protest locations on campus. University officials argue these measures are essential for maintaining a safe environment for everyone in the university community.

The rally at CSULB was just the beginning, with another event scheduled for March 27 at Cal State Fullerton, highlighting the determination of students and faculty in their fight for fairness and equitable treatment in education.

The energy surrounding these rallies emphasizes the importance of solidarity and collective action, as students and faculty alike demand to be heard and respected in the educational sphere. In a world where every voice counts, these protests serve as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality within our academic institutions.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Long Beach State Faces Significant Budget Cuts
Riverside County Students Gain New Access to College Admissions
CSU Long Beach Employees Charged in Fraud Scandal
Cal State L.A. Faces Enrollment Crisis Amid Budget Cuts

Additional Resources

• Press Telegram: CSULB Students and Faculty Rally
• NBC Los Angeles: Rally at Cal State LA
• Long Beach Current: Tale of Two Marches
• 10News: CSULB Student Walkout
• Times of San Diego: Planned Walkouts