CSUN students are preparing to protest against budget cuts on Wednesday, March 2.
The Activist Student Coalition (ASC) is organizing the Day of Action along with 13 other campus organizations that wish to further education.
They plan to gather in front of the Oviatt Library at 10 a.m. and proceed with rallies and a march around the campus’ perimeter.
A lecture by the Rev. James Lawson, a civil rights activist who worked with Martin Luther King Jr. will be held at 3 p.m. in front of the library.
ASC will also present an alternative education budget for the state of California and petition for signatures.
Justin Marks, 22, one of the students arrested during last year’s March 4 protest will be participating this time around as an ASC leader.
“People are increasingly aware that their education is being attacked,” Marks said.
According to ASC, the Day of Action was planned to “raise awareness about the importance of affordable and accessible education.”
Students, faculty and community members will have the opportunity to voice their opinions regarding education and the increase of tuition throughout the day. Forums will be available for the public to speak up.
CSUN police has been cooperative with the plans for March 2, Marks said.
An all-day city permit has been attained by the organization to walk on the streets surrounding the campus.
The streets will be blocked off when people are marching.
The march around CSUN will imitate last year’s protest when students, faculty and community members walked with signs in hand on Reseda Boulevard, Nordhoff Street and Zelzah Avenue.
“There was never an intent to be violent (last year),” Marks said. “Our intent is the same this year.”
Students plan to join in on the Day of Action for different reasons.
Junior Kailyn Aaron-Lozano, 22, history major, and a deaf student, said she is participating in the protest because access to interpreters has been reduced and the quality of her education is being affected.
“Even though I cannot be heard I want to show my voice with my hands and signs,” Lozano said.
Another student who is participating is junior Andy Partida, 21, criminal justice major.
“I do not agree with the fee hikes and if we do not do anything about it, it will just continue,” Partida said.
But not all are aware of the March 2 protest like junior Jairo Arreola, 25.
“I just saw the posters today (Monday),” said the sociology major. “It does not really affect me because I served in the military and it pays for my education.”
Many students said although they would like to participate, they do not have time. One of those students was senior Artin Tersaakoyan, 22.
“I would participate if I had time,” said the philosophy major. “The tuition hikes are not extreme but they do affect (us).”
The organizations planning the Day of Action are hoping to get the message across so people become educated about budget issues.
“(We) hope to build unity on this campus,” Marks said.
The Day of Action will begin at 10 a.m. and is scheduled to end around 6 p.m.
