Today’s Protests on Capitol Hill

Today, January 6, 2021, the United States Congress gathered to certify the 2020 Presidential Election. This act is an important, if largely ceremonial, part of our nation’s democratic process. Some lawmakers indicated in advance that they planned to issue formal objections to the recent presidential election. Though many anticipated that organized protests would also take place during today’s proceedings, what we are now seeing unfold on Capitol Hill has been met with alarm and concern.

The time is now for strong federal support of higher education

On Friday, I wrote letters to five key U.S. Senators, including Senators Feinstein and Harris, to request their urgently-needed support for San Jose State University and the entire California State University (CSU) system as we continue to come to grips with the devastating effects our institution faces due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I have since written to several House members as well. Specifically, we are asking legislators to support higher education in the third economic relief package now being negotiated.