College of San Mateo Cuts Journalism Program

Journalism students at the College of San Mateo are in for a nasty surprise as the popular program, led by Professor Ed Remitz, is being cut.

The program emphasizes practical journalism skills, with many of its students working for the San Matean, a publication released twice per month.

California’s Community Colleges have undergone significant budget cutbacks in recent years due to declining funds from the state government.

San Mateo County Spokesperson Marshall Wilson released the following statement on behalf of the San Francisco Peninsula Press Club:

"The College of San Mateo has run an excellent journalism program for many years and it is extremely unfortunate that classes were canceled. Journalism teaches students to ask tough questions and to dig into important issues. Journalism also teaches students the craft of writing, an extremely important skill in this information age. All public institutions are facing difficult decisions due to budget constraints.

On behalf of the San Francisco Peninsula Press Club, I have asked to meet with officials from the College of San Mateo to discuss the reasons for canceling the journalism classes and to offer our assistance in reviving the journalism program or continuing journalism education at CSM and the publication of The San Matean as a club activity."

The Office of the President at the College of San Mateo could not be reached for comment on this story.