Letter from #UCDavis Chancellor Katehi on "Rallies in support of higher education"

Just got a letter from UC Davis Chencellor Katehi addressed to the UC Davis community (so presumably this went out to 1000s) regarding some upcoming rallies in support of higher education and I thought it might be of interest to share it here because it may be of interest to some who did not receive it:

Dear UC Davis Community Members:

Next week's rallies in support of public higher education provide us with another opportunity to work together on behalf of the University of California and in support of the California Master Plan for Higher Education -- a visionary plan forged in 1960 that viewed higher education as a collective good and as the primary engine of social mobility.

That plan is threatened today with the state's steady and steep disinvestment in UC, in California State University and in the California Community Colleges. I know you feel the impact of that disinvestment in very real, very personal ways.

The Governor's January budget proposal offers us some hope, but it's critical that we persuade lawmakers to make public higher education a funding priority. Together, we can help our state to re-prioritize.

Three advocacy opportunities are fast approaching. While on-campus responsibilities must always come first, I'm hopeful that, with attentive planning, you'll be able to help deliver the message to Sacramento that our public colleges and universities need greater state investment.

On Monday, March 1, the UC Student Association will hold a march, rally and press conference at the State Capitol between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. UCSA leaders have asked UC President Mark Yudof and several regents and chancellors to join them in meetings with key legislative leaders throughout the day. I am pleased to do so, and am looking forward to accompanying our students to Sacramento. If you're able, I hope you will join us and add your voice to others advocating for keeping our public university truly public. If you need transportation, our Government and Community Relations Office is working with student leaders to coordinate UC-provided buses.

On Thursday, March 4, a national day of action in defense of public higher education is being planned by a coalition of K-14 and UC and CSU students, employees and other education stakeholders. Rallies are planned at the State Capitol and throughout the state.

And on Tuesday, April 27, another advocacy day at the State Capitol is being planned by a coalition of UC, CSU and California Community Colleges advocates throughout the state. It's hoped that a broad alliance of public higher education supporters will participate, including students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff, business leaders and community organizers.

I hope we can continue to work together on the university's behalf, raising issues and raising our voices effectively and respectfully. Together, we can make our best case for preserving affordable, accessible and world-class public higher education. That was the state's vision in 1960, and that must remain its commitment today. Please join me in carrying that message to the State Capitol and ensuring that the principles of the California Master Plan endure.

Sincerely,

Linda P.B. Katehi
Chancellor