Education or Shelter: An Unjust Dilemma
At Cal Poly Humboldt, students like Maddy Montiel and Brad Butterfield formed a tight-knit community named "the line" in a campus parking lot, their makeshift homes comprising sedans, campers, and a converted bus due to unaffordable rent. Yet, the university's enforcement of a policy prohibiting overnight camping disrupted their sanctuary, threatening fines, towing, and disciplinary actions. While officials cited health and safety concerns, students felt criminalized and ostracized. This clash unveils the struggle of low-income students in California's housing crisis, sparking debates, petitions, and resolutions within the university community. The plight highlights the broader issue of student homelessness within the Cal State system, underscoring the dire need for sustainable solutions amidst a housing shortage that deeply impacts educational pursuits and basic needs.
Imagine you're a full-time student, working two jobs, and living in a van because rent is too expensive. It’s outrageous that students have to choose between pursuing your education and having a stable place to live. Picture yourself, balancing the demands of coursework while clocking in hours at multiple jobs just to make ends meet, all while your only shelter is the confined space of a van. The exorbitant cost of rent has driven you to this extreme, where sacrificing the comfort and stability of a home becomes the only viable option to afford your education. It's not just difficult; it's an affront to the very essence of equitable access to education. The expectation that students navigate their academic journeys while grappling with housing insecurity is an indictment of an education system failing to support those who strive for a better future amidst financial hardship.
Photographer: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times
Cal Poly Humboldt students live in vehicles to afford college. They were ordered off campus
Debbie Truong, LA Times | Nov. 26, 2023