The board had an in-depth discussion about the budget and wrestled with the decision to raise tuition. The CSU’s budget was cut $650 million this year, and we face the real prospect of another $100 million reduction in a few weeks. We have managed this deficit by cutting costs, reducing our workforce, limiting enrollment, and tapping our reserves. We have few options left, and increasing tuition is one of our most difficult choices. Several people attended the Trustees’ meeting Wednesday to protest the tuition increase. Unfortunately, the protests became disruptive and resulted in personal injury to three California State University police officers and the arrest of four individuals. The glass entrance doors to the Chancellor’s Office were shattered. The damage to our building is estimated at $30,000. Protesting peacefully and with purpose can be effective. But demonstrations that turn disruptive and result in damage and injury are intolerable.
