The undersigned Faculty, Students, Staff and Alumni of the University of
California object strongly to changing our current Master Plan. The University of California should lead the nation in holding strongly to the principle of affordable and accessible public higher education for all deserving students. Only the restoration of public funding can guarantee the educational freedom and creativity on which technological and economic innovation depend.  We urge the State Assembly to poll and consult thoroughly with UC's students and employees, as well as the general public. Polls show that a strong majority of Californians support affordable, accessible public education, with good reason: the University of California is the best financial investment our state ever made. Its work
contributed crucially to the prosperity of our %uFFFDGolden Age,%uFFFD and by
educating Californians capable of achieving financial success, continues to support our tax revenues. It can, once again, be the chief engine of our economic recovery if its core commitment to liberal arts education is sustained. Can our state afford to reinvest in accessible public education?  No mistake about it:  we can't afford NOT to.

We, the undersigned, ask that you protect and defend the Master Plan of the University of California.  In an age of global competition, it is essential that Californians be able to speak the languages of the world, respect different cultures, use their imaginations, listen and debate, and exercise sound judgment.  Vocational majors do not prepare students as effectively for their careers as do liberal arts majors; classics, literature, and math majors turn in the best performances in law schools; musical training boosts mathematical, hence scientific, ability; only on-site education can provide the social interactions necessary for our students to develop the persuasiveness and teamwork skills crucial to good laboratory work and general problem-solving. Jettisoning the Master Plan will only hasten the economic decline of our state.  Defend it, and restore public funding for accessible and affordable higher education!

Thank you for very much for considering our petition.