By Edward Wong

Tuition fees are certainly a barrier to the accessibility of education. However, an issue not often discussed is the living expenses of students. As with tuition, students are forced to take out loans or seek part-time employment. The debt load has tremendous financial implications after graduation and can be linked to drop out rates. According to the Canadian Federation of Students, insufficient funds and the need to seek employment is the number one reason for the interruption of studies for both university and college students.

I haven't had time to keep myself updated on the situation in Europe. A number of neoliberal reforms for education have been proposed in various European countries. Students and workers have come out in opposition in Ireland, Italy (2.5 million occupying universities and on the streets in Rome alone), Greece (300 schools squatted and students and teachers voting on decisions), and Spain (apparently, though I haven't come across any info).

http://www.libcom.org/news/warm-autumn-heat-rises-italian-education-2810...

http://www.libcom.org/news/we-wont-pay-the-crisis-26102008

http://www.libcom.org/news/more-300-schools-squatted-throughout-greece-p...

http://thecitycollegecan.wordpress.com/2008/10/26/the-movement-is-growin...

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/1023/1224625124742.html

CALL TO ACTION: UofT PRESSES CRIMINAL CHARGES AGAINST 14 FOR MOBILIZING AGAINST FEE HIKES

***URGENT CALL FOR SUPPORT – PLEASE FORWARD WIDELY***

SIGN THE PETITION: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/fightfees/index.html

Some have questioned the relation between residence rental fee increases and access to education, but if we take into consideration the social context it is clear that there is a direct connection.

One suggestion brought up was that residence housing is a privilege, not a right, and therefore it is unreasonable to demand that it should be affordable. Assuming this argument is correct, and it isn't, we must ask the question about privilege for who? If residence living does add to the educational experience, why should it only be open to the upper class? In essence, this assumption suggests that our education system should be two-tiered, with 'privileges' provided to the rich, while the poorer students are left behind.

EMERGENCY RALLY TO DEFEND STUDENTS' RIGHTS
Tuesday March 25, 4:10 PM
Simcoe Hall (27 King's College Circle)
University of Toronto
Map: http://tinyurl.com/2oatgu
ACTION ITEM: Statements of solidarity and support; endorse and organize a contingent for the rally.

Join us in a peaceful demonstration outside the University of Toronto's administration building to protest police aggression against students and rising fees: Tuesday March 25, 4:10 PM, outside Simcoe Hall (27 King's College
Circle).