There are times when Valencia Henley does her homework in the Hornet Bookstore.

She, like many students, grimaces at the prospect of another student fee increase.

“I work more than I work on school, and books have become so expensive that I have to go and do my homework in the bookstore, because I cannot afford my books,” Henley said.

Henley said she has had to ask teachers if she can turn in assignments late, because she might not have time to get to the bookstore to do her homework.

On May 2, the junior psychology major told her story at a rally. Signs were set up around the University Union’s Redwood Room with messages saying “Bring back the people’s university,” which served as a backdrop for a California Faculty Association-sponsored rally against the proposed California State University 10 percent fee increase for the next school year.

With the increase, undergraduate students will pay an additional $252 an academic year. The increase in student fees will add $7 million to Sacramento’s State budgetThe Campus Progressive Alliance and MEChA also co-sponsored last week’s event.

About 100 people came to the event and signed petitions to oppose the fee increase.

Newly elected Associated Student Inc. President Christina Romero was at the event and she encouraged people to get involved in the fight against fee increases.

“The legislators need to know that they need to invest in the future of our education,” Romero said.

Today, the CFA and students are also planning to hold a demonstration at the Capitol to oppose student fee hikes for the next academic year.

Liz Morales, a CFA intern, said this rally is about having students’ voices heard.

“We are trying to get as many signatures as possible for the petition as possible, so that when we meet with our Congressmen, we can show them how serious we are,” Morales said.

“I wanted to come and sign the petition, and hopefully will lead to some changes,” said Geneva Westbrooks, a junior biology major.

Greg Cramer, a freshmen government major, said he came to the rally because fees increases are going to jeopardize his education.

“If the fees go up then college is going to become to expensive for me, so when I hear about the rally in class, I came right down here,” Cramer said.

Philip Malan can be reached at [email protected]