A diverse group of about 200 state employees was joined Wednesday by a handful of university students on the steps of the Capitol to protest cuts to various state programs.
The “Rally Day at the Capitol” was hosted by Better Choices for a Better Louisiana, a group that seeks “to improve the quality of life in our state and invest in Louisiana’s future.”
BCBL represents a growing number of environmental, business, faith-based, labor, health, education, community groups and consumer groups throughout the state dedicated to creating a “better” Louisiana, according to its mission statement.
Though the students were outnumbered by union members, all groups had the opportunity to have their voices heard. Eight speakers representing groups ranging from the Louisiana Budget Project to the American Cancer Society engaged audiences with talk of change, urging political leaders to explore their options.
“We cannot cut our way to excellence,” said Melissa Flournoy, mistress of ceremonies and Louisiana Progress member. “These are tough times, but we have choices.”
According to BCBL, an approach based on cutting education, human services and health care may have negative long-term consequences.
Anna Hackman, a University of New Orleans graduate student and member of Education NOW!, stressed in her speech the importance of preserving higher education and keeping college affordable.
Hackman said students carry the financial burden of the state, and he encouraged Gov. Bobby Jindal to “invest in us.”
As Hackman spoke, a group of about 30 students from UNO, Southeastern Louisiana University and LSU cheered. UNO students waved signs with messages like “Jindal fundz my edukashon” and “stop cutting, start investing.” Two LSU students wrapped with a signed “Don’t Sink LSU” banner wore band-aids to symbolize the “cuts.”
Bradley Wood, biology and philosophy senior, was one of the students who attended. Wood, who spearheaded the campus organization ProudStudents, said he was impressed by the overall turnout of the rally.
Wood said he was not disappointed by the minimal number of students present. He said the event was not as publicized as the rally held last fall and said finals also played a factor in attendance.
Brad Ictech, a sociology senior at Southeastern, said he attended to represent Education NOW! and SAVE SELU.”We are on the chopping block,” Ictech said. “It all boils down to one thing — we need revenue.”
Ictech referenced program terminations, reduced library hours and limited classroom copies, asking “what’s next?”
Byron Kennedy, a psychology junior at UNO, said he was there to protest increases in tuition.
“Students are working two jobs to support themselves,” Kennedy argued.
Though the potential merger between UNO and Southern University-New Orleans passed the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday, Kennedy said he was more concerned with tuition.
 
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Contact Sydni Dunn at [email protected]