Although today's rallies for the national Day of Defense of Public Education are a significant first step in education budget reform, Associate Professor of Education at USC Dr. Darnell Cole says the March 4th protests are only "the tip of the iceberg."

With the state economy in peril, California officials say there is no other plausible option except to raise college tuition to over $10,000 and make dramatic cuts in programs.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK



Students of the City of New York system take their turns voicing concerns about student fee increases.

"Put an end to cuts, layoffs, fee hikes," a student demands.

WAYNE, NEW JERSEY
 


Students at the William Paterson University of New Jersey walked of class this morning to stand against tuition hikes and budget cuts.

"This is not just about a students," a student yells into the megaphone in the video. "This is about a bunch of people in this country who think they can manipulate us, who can steal from and put us into constant debt."

FRESNO, CALIFORNIA
 


"No cuts, no fees, education should be free," they chant.

MILLBRAE, CALIFORNIA
 


Middle school students stand outside their campus with teachers and parents yelling "Save our schools!" as cars pass by.

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA
 


Parents, elementary school students and teachers hold signs reading and yell "Save our schools" as a band plays, drawing support honks of car horns from cars.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA
 


Standing at a podium in the middle of a group of protestors, California State University Employees Union Pat Gantt said improving funding for education would be a reinvestment in the "California Dream."

"Today I have hope," he says. "I have hope because you're here and you're making some noise."

TV news station KCRA reports about 1,000 were at the rally (video) this morning to demand that the legislature restore all cuts to education, even if that means additional taxes for individuals and business. According to KCRA, state senators addressed the crowd--telling protesters that they should make sure they vote in the election. The station also interviewed state superintendent of public schools Jack O'Connell, who applauded the efforts of protesters.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
 


Elementary-to-high-school age children, teachers and parents walk down Mission Street in the center of San Francisco to protest cuts to K-12 education.
 


Sam Francisco State University students block an intersection.

SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA
 


In the dark of the early morning, students march in a circle near an entrance to campus.
 


By noon, a large rally formed with students being led in yell of "Student Power!"


-Paresh Dave