CalArts President Booed at Graduation Amid Budget Crisis

CalArts President Ravi S. Rajan was loudly booed by students during the May 15 commencement ceremony. Students held signs reading 'Hold the Admin Accountable' and 'Save Our Faculty & Staff,' referencing recent financial troubles and layoffs. Rajan attempted to continue his speech, but board chair Charmaine Jefferson intervened unsuccessfully. The protest stems from a multi-million-dollar budget deficit, a 30% faculty reduction over two years, and a staff unionization effort citing low pay and job insecurity. A faculty-designed chart alleges administrative mismanagement. Enrollment dropped from 1,500 to 1,200. The faculty union held a 'Chop from the Top' rally in March. Students' booing was spontaneous, not union-organized. The incident mirrors a national trend of graduation protests, often over AI concerns. CalArts recently partnered with Chanel for a Center for Artists and Technology focused on AI, which has been unpopular. Students feel the administration is out of touch.