CSU Students Hold "Protest Carnival," Trustees Still Raise Tuition 15%

On Wednesday, outside the Board of Trustees meeting in Long Beach, about 40 students, faculty and staff from various CSU campuses participated in a "protest carnival," a demonstration featuring a "fee obstacle course" (symbolizing that higher fees would create an obstacle for students), "Pin the Money on the CSU Donkey," and a painting of a clown and the words, "Clowning with Education." Some students argued that in this economy, the tuition increases would force them to take out additional student loans or defer their education.  The creative efforts, however, did not stop the trustees from approving the increases, which will boost tuition 5 percent for the rest of this school year and an additional 10 percent starting next year. Tuition had already gone up 32 percent last year and another 5 percent this fall. Officials explained that the extra money is needed due to budget cuts, and will help increase enrollment and the number of classes offered, making it easier for students to graduate in four years. Tuition will rise to $4,884, in addition to campus fees of about $1,000.