Essay 2

In today's capitalistic society, many will agree that money truly runs the world, if not, it has an effect on it of colossal proportions. In relation to money, we find the word "debt". "Debt" is a word that nobody wants to hear in association to themselves. Dictionary.com describes debt as "something that is owed or that one is bound to pay to or perform for another". This very day, the wonderful state of California is in debt. Money needs to be conserved or procured in some way. In an attempt to pull California out of debt, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has implemented multiple budget cuts on the state. One area that will be hit excruciating hard is the CSU, or Cal State University, system. Governor Schwarzenegger plans to raise tuition fees once again to gather more money. One specific change in budget has been implemented on the Cal State University system, which will raise the cost of tuition for all CSU students, causing catastrophic changes to the diversity at San Jose State University.

Unfortunately, many Californians today are unaware of what is going on in the political world. Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger has signed a new budget that will drastically change life for all CSU and UC students. One Los Angeles Times article informs its readers that "some campuses, including... San Jose... will continue to take all fully qualified students from their own communities. But students from other parts of California may have to show higher grade-point averages and test scores to make the cut." If San Jose State gives students from the San Jose area this edge on acceptance, how will diversity at San Jose State state maintain itself? According to the US Census Bureau, the city of San Jose is mainly comprised of White, Hispanic of Latino, and Asian people. It goes on by stating that the percentages are 47.5%, 30.2%, and 26.9% respectively. These are extremely steep statistics.

In order to raise money, all CSU and UC students will face tuition hikes. The Los Angeles Times states that “the trustees of the Cal State University system voted to raise annual undergraduate student fees 10%.” For the average student at San Jose State University, that means an extra 200 dollars per semester. Many students are simply trying to make ends meet as it is. Many students at San Jose State either work to pay for their own tuition or work to help pay for it. Because of this hike, many students will be forced to drop out of San Jose state because they simply cannot afford it. Many of these students fall under the category of racial minorities causing the diversity at San Jose State to become more of a racial majority university. In the same article, the author write about what student protestors are saying. They argued that students "said the hikes would cause drop outs and many to take on larger loans and work more hours at low-wage jobs. They noted that fees had nearly doubled in the last six years." The families most affected by these hikes are low- and middle- income families. These low- and middle- income families are mainly of Hispanic or Latino and those of racial minorities. Isn't this what the Cal State University system was made for? The Cal State University system was made to provide a higher education to students in these low- and middle- income families.

These statistics are simply for those who are residents in California, however the tuition hikes do not stop there. The Rocky Mountian Collegian Online, an online news distributor, states that "out-of-state undergraduates are looking at an increase of about $614, according to the university's proposed budget." Those students moving over from other countries face enough troubles as it is. They have to deal with hardships such as overseas travel, a massive change in environment, possible language barrier, and maybe even on their own. These hikes greatly discourage and/or make it more difficult for international students to make the move to San Jose State.

It seems almost unintelligent to raise tuition by such extents, however there is a plan. The Rocky Mountain quotes Tony Frank, senior vice provost, who reasons by stating, "CSU hopes new revenue will improve financial aid and athletics, bring in tenure and tenure-track professors and fund university ventures such as environmental initiatives and student retention programs." Although this seems like a good plan, many students cannot afford to reap these benefits that lie ahead in the future. In a way, the CSU system is sacrificing those of low- and middle- income to benefit those of upper middle- and high- income families. Frank goes on to state that "students should expect to see a similar increase in the 2010 fiscal year and beyond." Is there no way to win? Tuition hikes will continue to happen, making the fight for diversity even harder.

Just like a one's life, one's child, or one's rights, no ammount of money can account for the true value of diversity.
For the future, those of racial minorities may feel uncomfortable attending a school of such a strong racial majority. Diversity is paramount to have for a successful society. Each ethnic and racial group brings something new to the table and it is when people learn from each other that progression occurs. People will be able to broaden their horizons and better themselves. Like the United States Army says, "be all you can be."

Work Cited

Kim, Myung. "CSU, Metro also hike tuition." Rocky Mountain News 04, JUN, 2008 10 Mar 2009 .

U.S. Census Bureau, "San Jose (city) QuickFacts." San Jose (city) QuickFacts from the U.S. Census Bureau 20 FEB 2009 10 Mar 2009 .

Holland, Gale. "CSU may cut future enrollment by 10,000." Los Angeles Times 18 NOV 2008 10 Mar 2009 .

Gordon, Larry, MehtaSeema. "Cal State, UC hike fall tuition fees." Los Angeles Times 15 MAY 2008 10 Mar 2009 .