University of Minnesota faculty and students urge Regents to reject budget cuts and tuition hikes

University of Minnesota faculty and students gathered for a public forum to oppose a proposed 7% budget cut and a 6. 5% tuition increase, which would be the highest in 14 years. Many participants expressed fears that these measures would result in program cuts and job losses, warning that the university could struggle to maintain quality with reduced resources. Claire Halpert, director of the Institute of Linguistics, criticized the budget as reckless, while Nora Livesay from the American Indian Studies department labeled it an abdication of ethical responsibility. University officials cited flat state funding and inflation as reasons for the proposed cuts and increases, which are part of a $5.

1 billion budget. The Board of Regents is set to vote on the budget next Wednesday, with public comments accepted online until Tuesday. Faculty members highlighted the importance of salary increases to retain quality educators, advocating for a fair investment in university personnel. Some employees suggested that administrative salaries should be the first target for budget cuts. The discussions reflect growing concerns about the university's financial stability and its impact on student enrollment.