University of California fee hike approved

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- The University of California Board of Regents Thursday, as expected, approved a sharp increase in student fees despite loud student protests on the UCLA campus.

The vote implemented a 32-percent boost in basic education fees and campus fees that will go into effect next fall.

Only one member of the board, student regent Jesse Bernal, voted against the plan that UC officials said was necessary due to a recent plunge in financial aid from the state.

The Los Angeles Times said the vote came with little discussion among the members and amid loud protests that could be heard in the campus meeting room.

Protesters from the other nine campuses in the UC system converged on UCLA to denounce the fee hikes, which the Times said would increase the average annual tuition bill by around $3,500. Around 30 students took over a nearby Campbell Hall, forcing UCLA to cancel classes scheduled in the building.