As the 2011 legislative session draws closer, student activist groups are preparing to again battle budget cuts.
With the state facing a budget shortfall of more than $1 billion, legislators will decide how much must be cut from state higher education budgets. Students plan to make the University’s case loud and clear.
Student Government is planning a march to the State Capitol to show support for higher education during the legislative session.
SG President J Hudson said SG wants to bring every public institution together for the rally, for which an exact date hasn’t been finalized because of difficulties finding an ideal time during spring break season.
Hudson said SG is considering having institutions meet at different areas around the Capitol before converging at the building. SG is also planning to continue its letter writing campaign.
Flagship Advocates, a separate student group, will participate in letter writing, said Dani Borel, group member and SG vice president.
Borel said the need for multiple groups arises from the rules limiting SG from lobbying.
As a separate group, the Flagship Advocates were able to receive funding from SG’s Programming, Support and Initiatives Fund, which aids student organizations, Borel said.
The Flagship Advocates are planning a letter writing party and are organizing meetings with state political players, Borel said.
Another budget cut protest group, Proud Students, is collaborating with Education Now — a collection of student groups from institutions around the state.
The group is currently planning its semester activities. Bradley Wood, biology and philosophy senior and one of the group’s founders, said activities will likely be more theatrical than SG’s approach.
Wood described Proud Students as a grassroots effort that tries to advocate for higher education without becoming overly political.
“We try to serve as a place where the most conservative student can come together with the most liberal and share ideas,” Wood said.
 
—-
Contact Xerxes A. Wilson at [email protected]