William Paterson University students helped to lead a Trenton rally that drew approximately 100 from across the state to protest Gov. Jon Corzine’s proposed 5 percent decrease in higher education funding on April 30.
“The rally ended up being a great success, as students were enthusiastic and passionate about their protest against the state budget cuts,” SGA president Jessica Pepe said in a statement.
Many of the 50 WPU students and faculty who attended spoke in front of the crowd.
Attendees were enthusiastic in their dissent to the planned budget cuts, Pepe said in a statement. The crowd chanted pro-education slogans including “Support Public Higher Ed,” “Support Our Students,” and “Stop Cutting Higher Education,” The crowd held up signs and banners to reinforce their message, Pepe said.
Students who spoke at the rally included SGA President Jess Pepe, SGA Vice President Michela Clovis, Young Democratic Socialists President Mike McCabe, Sophomore Class Vice President Jamarious Nickerson, and Vice President of the Black Student Union Tamar Montuma.
WPU Faculty and staff who attended included Jeff Wakemen, campus activities director; Susanna Tardi, Ph.D., and Maboud Ansari, sociology professors. Frank Pavese, professor of music; Kelly McNeal and Pat DeDeo, director of external relations also attended.
The crowd helped to convey their message by holding up posters and banners that read: “I can’t afford to move out of my house,” “I’m graduating $60,000 in debt,” “Consider YOUR Students,” “Support us NOW,” and “Stop Punishing,” according to Pepe.
“(Student) leaders from various colleges felt very positive about the bonds formed and are looking forward to lobbying together and organizing another joint-effort rally,” Pepe said
The budget cuts must be approved by midnight of June 30, according to the NJ Constitution, although it is possible they may be approved sooner than that. Students wishing to get involved can go to www.njcollegepromise.com to register their protest against the cuts.
William Paterson University students helped to lead a Trenton rally that drew approximately 100 from across the state to protest Gov. Jon Corzine’s proposed 5 percent decrease in higher education funding.
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William Paterson Students Lead Trenton Rally
Protest proposed funding decrease for higher ed
Published: Monday, May 11, 2009
Updated: Sunday, May 24, 2009
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Credit SGA
William Paterson students protest state budget cuts at rally in Trenton
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WPU SGA President Jessica Pepe speaks in opposition to the proposed funding decrease for higher education
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Jamarious Nickerson, William Paterson Student Government Association
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Protestors object to proposed funding decreases for state schools in New Jersey
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Student activist from Rutgers, Newark
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SGA president NJCU
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Michela Clovis, William Paterson SGA
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SGA president Montclair State University
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Student senator Ramapo College
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Mike McCabe, president Young Democratic Socialists at WPU speaks to a crowd of approximately 100 in front of the Trenton Statehouse
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