Share
From Appalachian State University professor Martha McCaughey and members of the N.C. Conference of the American Association of University Professors, to the N.C. House of Representatives:
We are writing as deeply concerned faculty and graduate student leaders who teach both in the University of North Carolina system and in private colleges across North Carolina. The current draft of the House budget calling for an 11 percent cut to the UNC system will be devastating – not only to the quality of higher education in North Carolina, but to the eventual recovery of our economy.
Our state system of public higher education is central to any recovery. The suggested deep cuts endanger not only the quality of education our 16-campus system currently provides. These cuts will have a negative impact on the state's economy as well, prolonging the recession.
We are acutely aware that some spending reductions are necessary, and we are not asking to be exempted from hard choices. However, North Carolina does have another choice – a mix of progressive tax hikes along with spending cuts. The Center for Economic Policy Research found that states can maximize the impact of federal recovery dollars by taking such a balanced approach.
We are all working longer hours with fewer resources. National studies consistently show faculty working an average 55-hour week. We know work weeks will lengthen over the coming few years, and we understand the need to sacrifice. These cuts will affect students even more than faculty. Even now, our students are having trouble graduating in a timely manner. Critical programs are being gutted. Dedicated teachers are being laid off.
An affordable, quality public education is not simply a point of pride here in North Carolina. It's a central component of economic recovery and growth. Please don't take the opportunity of education away from our citizens.
