While students are split over their personal politics, student
government ideologies and the war in Iraq, they nearly all agree
that student fee increases have spiraled out of control. But nobody
seems to be listening.
With a 14 percent student fee increase for in-state
undergraduates next year, the Class of 2005 will have seen students
fees nearly double since its freshman year.
And there is no relief in sight. Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger’s compact with the University of California
calls for 8 percent fee increases for the following two years. The
responsibility for funding public education is being thrown upon
private individuals and families. The state is unwilling to fund
its universities adequately.
That is unacceptable.
While fees rise, services are being cut throughout the UC
system. Everything from outreach to research is being eliminated or
downsized.
California was once radical with its standards for both access
to and excellence in public education. Now, despite outcries from
students and faculty, both are threatened.
The Daily Bruin Editorial Board reflects on the strengths
and weaknesses of UCLA at the end of spring quarter. Considering
news events, people, policies and trends, the board has compiled a
list of UCLA’s best and UCLA’s worst. The remaining
“best and worst” editorials will run Friday.