BNC has received very important news from the State Senate as follows:
Two State Senators from Southern California, Ricardo Lara, Democrat from Bell Gardens and Anthony Cannella, Republican from Ceres, have introduced State Constitutional Amendment 1 (SCA-1) concerning the University of California. The following is unedited information from their jointly released Legislative Fact Sheet.
Summary:
SCA 1 will give voters in 2016 the choice to revisit the concentrated power and autonomy of the University of California by holding the UC accountable to the public.
Background:
Since its founding, the University of California has sought to provide a world-class, affordable education for all Californians. The UC has served as a social and economic catalyst for over a hundred years, educating thousands and producing some of the most cutting edge research and innovations in the world. In 1879 voters granted the UC autonomy and limited legislative oversight, despite the significant amount of state funding the university receives. The California State University also receives state funding, but is subject to state oversight.
Problem:
Since voters first granted the UC Constitutional autonomy in 1879, there have been significant changes in society and California’s economy. Over the years UC’s independence has evolved and the university’s mission has changed. The UC is no longer a university for all Californians and has shifted its focus away from students.
In the last decade alone, UC has increased its out of state and international student population exponentially and continuously has attempted to balance its budget on the backs of students by raising tuition. Most recently the UC regents approved a 25 percent tuition increase over the next five years, despite opposition from the public, students, and elected officials. Simultaneously, UC Presidents’ compensation continues to grow.
The makeup of UC increasingly does not reflect the state it serves. The University boasts its large number of international students to demonstrate the diversity of the campus, but ignores the diverse pool of potential applicants in its own back yard. UC is no longer responsive to communities it is supposed to serve.
Solution:
It is time to shine the light on the UC’s budgeting practices and policies. While increases in funding are important to support UC’s mission to serve California’s students, it is critical that with increased funding comes more oversight, transparency, and accountability. The University of California must focus its attention on the most critical component of its system, its students.
SCA 1 will allow voters to revisit UC’s autonomy on the 2016 ballot and give the Legislature and the public the authority to oversee the functions of the university. UC will still maintain the same academic independence it has enjoyed since its inception. SCA 1 will give UC the oversight and transparency it needs to be accountable to Californians. It is paramount that the University of California becomes a University for California.
Staff Contact:
Megan Baier, (916) 651-4033
Sharon Gonsalves, (916) 651-4012
You can read the full text of SCA at www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/15-16/bill/sen/sb_0001-0050/sca_1_bill_20141204_introduced.html
SCA 1 was introduced December 4, 2015 and in January 2015 it was referred to the Senate Committee on Education. It requires a 2/3s vote of the Legislature to be placed on the statewide ballot.
BNC would not support such a bill unless it contained assurances that oversight would not interfere with UC’s academic freedom. Given that such language is included in the bill BNC is supportive and is in the process of trying to reach other neighborhood groups in UC host cities. We’ll keep you informed of what we learn.
In the meantime, we also want to hear from you as individuals and neighborhood groups as to what you think about this important issue and why. Please contact us as soon as possible at bnc50@berkeleyneighborhoodscouncil.com. Getting this bill approved will require a substantial effort and we need to know if making that effort is what you want to do.