The California State University Board of Trustees struck yet another blow against access to and affordability of the CSU last week when they voted to increase undergraduate fees by 5% with a contingency for another 5% increase in the fall.

The board voted 10 to 2 to adopt the fee hike, with Lt. Gov. Abel Maldonado and student Trustee Russell Statham casting the “No” votes. Trustee Margaret Fortune abstained.

This latest hike means fees have risen 53% in just three years and 196% since 2002. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom – who will oppose Maldonado in the election for the Lt. Governor’s post this fall – also spoke out strongly against the fee hikes.

Newsom said in a statement, “Fees for CSU students have been raised eight times in the last 10 years. Now, fees may be raised another 5-10% by the CSU Trustees. We must fight this unacceptable burden on students and their families and keep access to higher education affordable for all Californians.”

CFA Vice President Kim Geron (political science, CSU East Bay) emphasized that Newsom’s statement was exactly the type of advocacy and leadership the CSU needs from members of the Board of Trustees.

“Instead of raising these fees now, why not go out and fight hand in hand with faculty and students for additional funding for the CSU in the state budget to offset the cost of this fee hike,” said Geron.