Money problems remain

Budget cuts and fee increases leading to a faculty debate to find better solutions

Sage Lynn/ Roundup

Budget cuts are hitting community colleges throughout the state of California.

Professors at Pierce College will be debating budget cuts and possible solutions in conjunction with the “March in March” hosted in Sacramento.

James McKeever, assistant professor of sociology, and Dr. Pamela Brown, instructor of political science, will debate the issues in the Great Hall on Monday March 14.

“Fees are skyrocketing, thousands of classes have been cancelled,” reads the news and event page for iwillmarch.com. “It’s time to do something about it.”

“I Will March” is a student-run website that keeps California community college students informed about upcoming advocacy events and efforts.

McKeever and Brown will share their personal views and thoughts on budget cuts, rising tuition fees and cancellation of classes, to hopefully lead to possible solutions at 4:15 p.m.

Directly after the debate there will be a candle light vigil for “the death of education.”

“We don’t do it to make money,” said McKeever. “I’ll have to cap classes at 45 [students] with the way things are going.”

Both professors are looking forward to the deabte and encourage students to attend to have questions and concers answered.

“All questions [about the debate] will be answered on the day of the debate,” stated Dr. Brown in an email reply.