Whereas, the governor of California has diminished access to higher education by approving increases in student fees, and
Whereas, the governor of California reneged on his promise to restore in 2005-2006 those monies guaranteed by Proposition 98 to public education that were cut from the 2004-2005 state budget, and
Whereas, the governor of California has jeopardized future education funding in California by supporting a voter initiative, the so-called “California Live Within Our Means Act,” that would effectively repeal Proposition 98, and
Whereas, the governor of California has threatened academic freedom by supporting a voter initiative, the so-called “Excellence in Teaching Act,” that would alter the manner by which California faculty receive tenure, and
Whereas, the governor’s appearance at Commencement might be misconstrued as an endorsement by the faculty of Santa Monica College of these initiatives and the governor’s educational leadership,
Therefore Be It Resolved, that the Santa Monica College Academic Senate disapproves of the so-called “California Live Within Our Means Act” and the so-called “Excellence in Teaching Act,” and
Be It Further Resolved, that the Academic Senate reiterates its support of reduced student fees and good faith implementation of Proposition 98; andBe It Finally Resolved, that the Academic Senate calls upon our faculty leaders to inform the College Administration, Board of Trustees, news media, and the Office of the Governor of its positions on these matters.
