STUDENTS PROTEST — Students and their supporters protest education funding cuts in Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed state budget Wednesday in front of City Hall in Philadelphia. The protest was organized by the Campaign for Nonviolent Schools, which is opposed to Corbett's proposal.

PHILADELPHIA — Several hundred students and others in Philadelphia marched and rallied to protest the governor’s proposed education budget cuts.

The students — joined by parents, teachers and some other members of the community — marched down Broad Street to the School District of Philadelphia building on Wednesday afternoon.

The protest was organized by the Campaign for Nonviolent Schools, which is opposed to Governor Tom Corbett’s proposal.

The governor wants to cut aid by 50 percent to the 14 state-owned universities and four state-related universities, saying that is necessary to close a multibillion-dollar budget gap.

University officials have said the funding loss could mean layoffs, higher tuition and fewer programs.

The Philadelphia School District says it is facing a budget shortfall of $629 million.