Week 4 - Chloriza Avila - Section A02

The readings that we had for this week made me feel like some type of spy that had access to all of the university's secrets. For a majority of the time, we as students are sheltered from the injustices and crimes that occur within the University system. We pay thousands and thousands of dollars but don't always have access to where exactly our money is going and what it is being used for. It was intriguing yet disappointing to read the piece A Tale of Two Campuses: Berkeley and Davis respond to Occupy Movements because it really depicts the differences between a school that cares for their students, and one that simply cares about financial benefits.  I found it very surprising that Davis decided to act like they actually care for our workers at that time, but had no intention of supporting them in the recent AFSCME (The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) UC workers strike. It's disappointing that it feels like Davis will never truly care for the well-being of their workers, let alone their students. Students are constantly deceived by this blanket of comfort that the University will provide for them in any way that they can and provide the best possible education. However, when we are exposed to acts of misconduct, it's almost too hard to believe. In addition, I was put in even more disbelief when I read about Amy Block Joy's attempt to call-out the embezzlement that occurred within the University. It reinforces that fear that we don't know how our money is truly being handled behind closed doors.  It's scary and upsetting that Joy and Professor Valverde have had to share some of the same negative experiences even though they were confronting the system for the protection and betterment of the University as a collective. I wish that the events within these articles were available to the public so that students are able to stand in solidarity with those that deserve it. It's imperative that we continue to inform and bring awareness to the injustices of the system so that individuals are able to combat these obstacles if ever need be.

 Learn more about AFSCME

Question: Is there raw data that shows where exactly our tuition money is going or how it is being dispersed?

References:
Joy, A. B. (2010). Whistleblower. Point Richmond, CA: Bay Tree Pub.

Markow, A., & Markow, A. (2011, December 22). A Tale of Two Campuses: Berkeley and Davis respond to Occupy movements. Retrieved from https://ivn.us/2011/12/19/a-tale-of-two-campuses-berkeley-and-davis-respond-to-occupy-movements/