Community College Fees

Without denying Uncle Sam’s complicity, I cannot dismiss the state’s regulatory and tax climate as just burdensome as does The Times (editorial, “Budget Aftermath; It’s Not All California’s Fault,” Sept. 3)or divert blame from our own state legislators for the long unresolved mess. The legality of the results this year’s budget shenanigans have produced is questionable.

The state Legislature rewrote the U.S. Constitution while passing this year’s $57 billion budget. I assume the equal protection clause (14th Amendment) and the substantive due process guarantees of the Constitution still shield community college students. Community residents enjoy taking a junior college class occasionally despite the fact that these part-timers may hold a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degree. This significant class of people the Legislature singles out to pay $50 per unit instead of the $10 per unit all other students will pay.

Is discrimination based on educational status valid? The system, which seats all in the same classrooms, should treat all comers equally, excepting foreign students who are truly a special category. Paying the higher price for the identical classroom instruction is discriminatory.

The budget law distinguishes among degree and non-degree individuals. The basis of this classification system must be examined to determine how it furthers legitimate government interests or objectives. How could discriminating against community residents who possess college degrees promote better public health, safety or welfare? The Legislature proposes no rational basis for discriminating.

The state’s budget would benefit if we learn how to run the state prison system more efficiently. Why no adjustments by the Legislature or is the penal system held sacred, while special classes of students are unfairly singled out to pay increased fees? I believed in education: low-cost, widely accessible and high-quality education. Our 120 legislators should admit to failing their jobs and resign. The people of California can elect others.

R. WILLIAM ROBINSON

West Covina