In retaliation against California’s tuition hikes and education budget cuts, students from across the state kicked off a “Day of Action and Strike in Defense of Public Education” on Thursday with assemblies, walkouts and teach-ins. The action was part of a national protest. –JCL

Los Angeles Times:

Students against cuts in education funding kicked off a national day of protests Thursday with generally peaceful rallies, walkouts and teach-ins at universities and high schools.

A large crowd had gathered at UCLA’s Bruin Plaza where hundreds of students, faculty and staff members chanted, “Who’s got the power? We’ve got the power!” as others walked out of classes for the protest.

The protest was just one of hundreds all over the state, and nation, for the Day of Action and Strike in Defense of Public Education.

More than 200 protesters blocked two main campus entrances at UC Santa Cruz and reportedly smashed a car windshield with a metal pipe, officials said. At UC Berkeley, nearly 150 protesters – chanting “Money for jobs and education, not for war and incarceration” – blocked the main pedestrian entrance to campus and also sought to stop people from walking into the university by hanging “danger” tape across paths.

Read more

Dig, Root, Grow

This year, we’re all on shaky ground, and the need for independent journalism has never been greater. A new administration is openly attacking free press — and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Your support is more than a donation. It helps us dig deeper into hidden truths, root out corruption and misinformation, and grow an informed, resilient community.

Independent journalism like Truthdig doesn't just report the news — it helps cultivate a better future.

Your tax-deductible gift powers fearless reporting and uncompromising analysis. Together, we can protect democracy and expose the stories that must be told.

This spring, stand with our journalists.

Dig. Root. Grow. Cultivate a better future.

Donate today.

SUPPORT TRUTHDIG