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Printer-Friendly ModeLansing rally planned
September 10, 2007 —
With the budget of the University and of many of its students in question, the Student Association of Michigan has decided rally together and do something about it.
Literally.
Members of SAM, including SVSU's Student Association are planning a rally on the steps of the capitol building in Lansing with hopes of showing the state legislature that Michigan's students are serious about their education, and want the budget situation rectified.
"The rally is to educate the legislature where students stand, and to try and ensure that we get that final payment that they put off until next year," said SA president Jeremiah Stanghini. "We are trying to show them that education should be a priority in this state. Otherwise, students will look to leave the state for their schooling, and then stay there for their jobs."
The rally is set to take place on Wednesday, Sept. 26, at 2:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. Several student speakers are planned, and according to Stanghini, possibly a few sympathetic legislators. However, plans are still far from certain.
"We haven't gotten any names yet, but we're still looking to book speakers," said Stanghini.
Stanghini argued that this is not an issue of partisan politics, but of ensuring the security of Michigan education.
"This isn't an issue of Democrats and Republicans, but rather students coming together for a cause."
Several other members of SAM have already agreed to join the rally, including the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan, and Oakland.
Representatives from Northern Michigan and Michigan Tech will not be able to attend the rally, due to the long travel distance. However, that isn't stopping them from getting involved.
"It is being talked about that they both may pre-tape their rally," said Stanghini. "People who are working to organize this are trying to get a screen on the capital lawn so they can show their rally while we're rallying."
Students are encouraged to join SAM in making the trip to the rally in Lansing.
"Nothing is yet set in stone, but we are hoping to sponsor a bus to help get students to go down there with us," said Stanghini. "But, worst case scenario, as long as there are students willing to go, SA will find the money for the bus."