At the University of California at Berkeley, students, faculty and workers held a demonstration Monday to show support for students who are facing possible suspension for taking part in protest actions against tuition hikes, layoffs and cuts at the school. The Office of Student Conduct has sent letters to over 100 student protesters offering them a seven-month suspension, rather than entering into a formal student conduct hearing where they could face more severe disciplinary measures. Students accused the administration of trying to silence dissent on campus. Dozens of students are also facing criminal charges for briefly taking over a freeway in Oakland on the March 4th Day of Action to Defend Public Education. Authorities are also pressing charges against at least two independent journalists who were covering the protests. Brandon Jourdan is being charged with five misdemeanors, including rioting. David Martinez faces four infractions. Jourdan and Martinez were working on a piece for Democracy Now! at the time of their arrests.