Continued assaults on public higher education decreases access to higher education in general. In response to decreases in public funding institutions of higher education have increased tuition, decreased the number of classes offered, laid off staff or untenured faculty, and/or cut open positions. For example, in 2009 the state of California cut appropriations to the UC system by some 20 percent, claiming that the money could be better spent elsewhere. In response, the UC schools raised tuition by 33 percent, to an average of $10,302 a year. The effects of increased tuition on educational access disproportionately impact those who are also marginalized by the effects of racism, ableism, and other systems of oppression. Additionally, decreases in the number of classes offered may disproportionately affect folks who work while in school (part or full time) because fewer options for courses results in conflicts in school and work schedules.

The Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals is committed to social justice broadly defined and is concerned about the negative impacts on the many people who will be marginalized by continued privatization and rising costs of higher education. We are disappointed with governmental representatives who devalue higher education professionals who provide valuable educational and support services. Similarly we disagree with government representatives restricting public employees' freedom of assembly and forums for petitioning their government for redress through unions and other organizations. Publicly funded education is central to an educated citizenry and that is critical for effective functioning of a representative democracy. Equitable access to higher education and equitable reimbursement for higher education professionals must not be diminished through privatization.

Shared Vision and Mission Statement

To critically transform higher education environments so that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students, faculty, administrators, staff, and alumni/ae have equity in every respect.