Students from various California universities took to the streets Monday protesting against the state's higher education budget cuts.
Several student organisations also took part in this annual 'March in March' rally with hand-made posters and chanting slogans against 'budget cuts' in front of the state capitol.
Amanda Lopez, a San Jose City College student, told Spartan Daily that because of budget cuts and rising tuition, she had to discontinue her education and work to garner sufficient money to complete her education and obtain a degree.
"Budget cuts are wrong. Education should be free, and we're not a number. We're human beings. We deserve our education, and we deserve our degree," Lopez said.
Recently, the White House has endorsed a series of nationwide cuts, March 1, as President Obama and the Congress failed to reach an agreement on the nation's fiscal problem.
As a result, the federal government will reduce its contribution to the states by decreasing financial aid for 9,600 low-income college students and 3,690 work-study jobs.
This budget deficit is also set to risk 1,000 teacher and aides' jobs.
Sacramento City College student Ralphie Roacha told the newspaper that it was important to pressurise the lawmakers by raising their voices and registering their concerns. Otherwise, they will not care and as a result will not take any action as well.
Roacha said that the major disadvantage of budget cuts was that academic counselors will be available for fewer hours due to reduction in their working hours.
This will hamper students from getting adequate help or advice from counselors.
