Students at Fresno Pacific University students are criticizing and protesting faculty and staff reductions due to university budget cuts, which could put several university programs at risk, KFSN reported.
A protest of "Tents and Togas" took place Jan. 11. Tents signified protests against the loss of the Sierra summer course program. Togas were meant to oppose the school cutting its philosophy major.
"There are cuts that can be made in numerous other places," said alumnus Leondre Mcbride, referring to Dr. Nathan Carson, the program director of philosophy and head of the Sierra program who was laid off. "Instead, they cut a tenured professor who means a lot to students here and programs that mean a lot to this community."
The budget cuts are being made due to declining enrollment.
Carson said he is one of six faculty being laid off. The decision has been appealed and will be decided on by the end of week.
"I believe in this place,” Carson said. “We're facing some real economic difficulties and really hard decisions are being made, but these students know and I know that this is not the right decision."
