Hundreds of University of California students gathered Monday morning at the California state Capitol to advocate for increased investment in higher education and stronger support systems for students.The rally and press conference, organized by the University of California Student Association, began at 9:30 a.m. on the Capitol’s west steps. Organizers say nearly 300 students from campuses across California traveled to Sacramento to push lawmakers to address rising college costs and student needs.Several state leaders are expected to speak at the event, including California Assemblymember Jessica Caloza.“Right now, we know that college students are under so much pressure,” Caloza said. “Tuition is too damn high; the rent is too damn high. Everything is expensive for everyone in general, but especially for college students. The lived experiences of what they are going through right now is so important to put at the forefront.”Students say they are advocating for a range of priorities, including increased higher education funding, housing reforms and expanded financial aid. Organizers also say protecting immigrant and undocumented students and strengthening basic needs programs remain key concerns.“I think the goal of us coming together is that we are demanding that our voices will be heard,” said Aditi Hariharan. “We are saying we are going to be heard. We are going to your office. We are making a statement in front of the Capitol west steps in Sacramento. Through all of these actions, we are showing that we are a part of the shared governance of the UC.”Students say they are also pushing for more representation on the University of California Board of Regents, which votes on major issues such as tuition increases. Currently, there is only one student member on the board.Organizers said the rally is part of a broader effort to ensure California continues investing in higher education as lawmakers work on the upcoming state budget.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
Hundreds of University of California students gathered Monday morning at the California state Capitol to advocate for increased investment in higher education and stronger support systems for students.
The rally and press conference, organized by the University of California Student Association, began at 9:30 a.m. on the Capitol’s west steps. Organizers say nearly 300 students from campuses across California traveled to Sacramento to push lawmakers to address rising college costs and student needs.
Several state leaders are expected to speak at the event, including California Assemblymember Jessica Caloza.
“Right now, we know that college students are under so much pressure,” Caloza said. “Tuition is too damn high; the rent is too damn high. Everything is expensive for everyone in general, but especially for college students. The lived experiences of what they are going through right now is so important to put at the forefront.”
Students say they are advocating for a range of priorities, including increased higher education funding, housing reforms and expanded financial aid. Organizers also say protecting immigrant and undocumented students and strengthening basic needs programs remain key concerns.
“I think the goal of us coming together is that we are demanding that our voices will be heard,” said Aditi Hariharan. “We are saying we are going to be heard. We are going to your office. We are making a statement in front of the Capitol west steps in Sacramento. Through all of these actions, we are showing that we are a part of the shared governance of the UC.”
Students say they are also pushing for more representation on the University of California Board of Regents, which votes on major issues such as tuition increases. Currently, there is only one student member on the board.
Organizers said the rally is part of a broader effort to ensure California continues investing in higher education as lawmakers work on the upcoming state budget.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel