UCSC students shut down campus and occupy building.

On November 18, 2009 over 500 students marched through campus, temporarily shutting down entrances and classes for the day. The UC Regents meet tomorrow in LA to vote on a tuition increase of over 30% to UC students. The increase would be implemented next semester. All UC and CSU campuses held solidarity actions around the state. While UC students too action, protests at other campuses in different countries including Sweden, Australia and Germany occurred.

The gathering started at the Bay Tree bookstore, leading to a march to the base of campus where they shut down both entrances to the university for a large part of the day. Students proceeded to occupy Kresge Hall. They remain in the occupied building.

Students gave speeches and after discussing options of how to proceed they decided to take Kresge Hall. Police were present but at this time there are yet to be any arrests.

Assembly Bill 656 proposes to increase taxes on oil and natural gas to invest in higher education. This bill could alleviate the financial strain on public education. This bill is worth researching and supporting if oil companies are prohibited from passing the tax onto consumers at the gas pump.