SEATTLE — The idea might seem counterintuitive: Skip class to get a better education.
That’s the essence of why Amy Smith, a University of Washington freshman from Arlington and other students and employees, plan to bag classes this afternoon.
Organizers said the 1 p.m. protest at the UW’s Quad is like a strike.
“We want to send a real strong message to the administration and the Legislature about the impact budget cuts can have on students and workers when they are already struggling to pay for school and pay for rent,” Smith said.
The way Smith sees it, “You can skip class once so your class will be there next year.”
Public universities across the state are bracing for another round of budget cuts as the Legislature wrestles with a $2.8 billion shortfall. Students also worry about an expected tuition increase.
Protesters hope their message reaches the Legislature, which allocates tax money to schools, and the UW administration, which decides how to spend the money it gets, said Smith, who joined students from other colleges at a demonstration in Olympia in February.
Today’s planned protest is being organized by the UW Student-Worker Coalition, which represents students and some employee groups.
Jacob Greenberg, a doctorate student in the history department, is a teaching assistant with three sections of an African history introductory course.
“I would say that not attending class is a strong statement against the way education is being devalued and divested,” Greenberg said. “One could attend class, but it’s a class that’s larger than last year with fewer (teaching assistants) and resources to get a better education.”
UW leaders understand the students’ fears and frustrations, but disagree with the tactic of striking from their classes, said Norm Arkans, a university spokesman.
The UW could lose $20 million under the Senate’s proposed budget and $30 million under the House budget. The Legislature last year gave the university authority to raise tuition by up to 14 percent for the coming year, he said.
UW President Mark Emmert refused an invitation to endorse the protest.
“I do not believe attempting to put a stop to the work of the university will accomplish very much,” Emmert wrote in letter to coalition organizers. “Rather, it will hamper and inhibit the educational process, which is of course the reason students come here.”
Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446; stevick@heraldnet.com.
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