| By Alex Garcia of the Sun |
 The demonstration, called a "Day of Action", was held up and down the state. "This is not an issue just of education funding. We're representing everyone who is affected by the economic crisis across the state. We look to officials to protect us and help us, but what is happening right now is the opposite," said the student who majors in literature. Garcia is not the only one facing disorderly charges after a confrontation with police and students who were participating in a march last week. Nearly 3,000 students and faculty members demonstrated at the school as part of protests held throughout the state in opposition to cuts in public education. At colleges, the cuts would mean fewer classes, professor layoffs and less funding for financial aid. On Thursday evening, some 25 demonstrators broke off from the larger group and sat in the middle of Reseda Blvd., near Prairie Street and refused to move. In total, seven people, including 73-year-old Native American studies professor Karren Baird-Olson, whose arm was broken in the altercation, were arrested and face charges. A Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson said officers had been on the scene since noon, but things changed when "protesters derailed from their path.'' Police said they had to break up the demonstration because the students blocked traffic and did not heed orders to leave the street. CSUN President Jolene Koester criticized the students' actions. "Large numbers of students, faculty and staff at Cal State University Northridge participated in peaceful demonstrations on campus and expressed in a highly positive way their concerns and deeply held beliefs about the importance of access to higher education. "Unfortunately, a smaller group chose to use tactics off campus that were disruptive to our neighbors and to the larger community. "As a university, we hold as core values open dialogue and the free and respectful expression of differing points of view. I am heartened that on this day, so many members of our campus community found positive expression for the value of higher education. But I'm also disturbed and saddened by the less responsible actions of a few.'' Thousands of students across the state participated in different actions as part of a "Day of Action" to protest cuts in education funding. The rallies were meant to show their displeasure with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the state legislature which seeks to cut billions from public education in response to an ever increasing budget deficit in California that stands at more than $20 billion. Apart from cuts, students also are protesting tuition increases and cuts in classes that they say will make it harder and longer to graduate. Despite his arrest, Garcia said he has no regrets about his actions and would do it again willingly to show what he considers is an unfair issue. "[I would do it] As many times as it takes in the future," he said. Justin Marks, another of the CSUN students facing charges, agreed and opined "the issue is not a lack of money, but a misappropriation of funds. "How can California be first in prisons and 48th in education? That's not acceptable," he said, calling on students to "keep this momentum going."  Students read their demands to CSUN Provost Harry Hellenbrand a day after an altercation led to seven of them being arrested.On Friday, a day after the altercation, students once again rallied in front of the Oviatt Library at CSUN and then marched towards University Hall, where they presented several demands to school provost Harry Hellenbrand who came out to meet them at the entrance to the building. Among those demands were that Baird-Olson not be charged and that her medical fees be paid. They also asked for a meeting with CSUN president Koester to challenge her criticism of their actions. In addition, they requested that no disciplinary actions be taken against the students who were arrested and participated in the protest. Hellenbrand said this last request was granted and told the students the school stands with them in opposition to the cuts. "We share your sentiment. This battle is a long one. If they [students] would all turn out and vote as you came out to protest, then you can change the state," said Hellenbrand, who called the education cuts a "great moral failure." However, he said that once the students leave the campus grounds, "you leave the legal umbrella of the university and you're exposed to the laws of the city." "Towards the end, it [the protest] got a little ragged, which is understandable given the issue," the provost told the students adding that while the school supports their disagreement over the education funding, they do not agree with all of their actions. "We'd likely disappoint you on that respect," said Hellenbrand. "We're not going to support everything you do." "Ideally, I'd like everybody to disperse peacefully, but the police is the police and they are professionals and have to do their job," added Hellenbrand. "When you cross the line and go into the middle of the street, that's risky business." Students said they have secured a lawyer to represent them at the upcoming hearing and are confident will beat the charges because their demonstration was peaceful and within their rights to express themselves. Regardless of the outcome, they added that they were right in their actions because the education cuts and the fee hikes impact them directly and all those who seek higher education in the state, currently and in the future. "We will fight until we are successful," vowed Jannae Thompson, another of the students arrested. Their next fight will be on March 22, when students from across California will convene at the state capitol for a major demonstration. |
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