California university tells workers to avoid campus as protesters block entrances

Workers told to stay away from Calif. university

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — Officials at the University of California, Santa Cruz are telling employees and others to stay away from the campus because of safety concerns involving protesters.

An advisory was posted Thursday on the school’s Web site urging people to avoid campus as protesters upset about funding cuts block main entrances.

It says a windshield was reported smashed. Police began turning cars away from the campus’ main entrance around 6 a.m.

The protest is part of nationwide demonstrations against cuts to education funding on what’s being called the “March 4th National Day of Action for Public Education.”

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) — Millions of students, teachers and parents are expected to rally throughout California and many other states to protest deep cuts in funding for schools and universities.

Demonstrations, marches, teach-ins and walkouts are planned nationwide Thursday in what is being called the “March 4th National Day of Action for Public Education.”

Events are being held at most of California’s public colleges and universities to protest budget cuts that have led to canceled classes, faculty furloughs and steep fee hikes.

Students, teachers and school employees are converging in Sacramento to persuade lawmakers to restore funding to public schools.

Regional rallies are planned in civic plazas in San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego and other cities.