UC Berkeley students protest against proposed 8% budget cuts to funding

The Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance convened on April 22, 2025, to discuss critical funding issues affecting California's higher education system. A significant focus of the meeting was the proposed 8% budget cut to the University of California (UC) funding, which has raised concerns among students and educational leaders.

During the session, a representative from UC Berkeley addressed the committee, advocating for the rejection of the budget cut. The speaker highlighted that the proposed reduction would have severe consequences for student services and overall student success. They noted that the UC Berkeley Office of the Chancellors recently announced an increase in self-help expectations, which would raise the cost of attendance for students by $2,000 to $2,700. This increase would disproportionately affect students from lower economic backgrounds, forcing them to work more hours or take on additional loans.

The representative also expressed concerns about class consolidation, particularly in challenging courses known as WEDR classes, where students often struggle, switch majors, or fail. They warned that the UC system might resort to cutting corners in education to compensate for budget losses, which could further jeopardize the quality of education provided to students.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for the committee to consider the implications of budget cuts on student welfare and educational quality. As discussions continue, the fate of the proposed budget cut remains uncertain, with students and advocates urging lawmakers to prioritize funding for higher education.