Today, the Campus Faculty Association at the University of Illinois (which is affiliated with the AFT and the AAUP) is holding a protest at 11am to spotlight the devastating impact of the state budget crisis on higher education across Illinois. Here is the event announcement:
On March 11, students, staff, and faculty from public colleges and universities across Illinois will speak out about the impact of the state budget impasse on their lives, campuses, and communities. While lawmakers are divided, the speakers stand together to testify to the importance of funding public higher education for the future of the state.
Public higher education in Illinois is in danger because of the state’s inability to pass a budget for FY 2015-2016. Without state funding, several campuses have had to lay off hundreds of employees. Other campuses, such as Chicago State University, may have to close their doors altogether. Governor Bruce Rauner recently blocked funding for MAP grants, which support the educations of thousands of Illinois students. The governor says he wants to cut the state’s support of public universities by 25% or more. Meanwhile, students are facing heavy tuition hikes and cancelled classes.
Cuts and lay-offs are destroying access to public higher education, hitting first-generation students and students of color especially hard. Governor Rauner is cancelling mobility and opportunity for a whole generation.
Hear students, faculty, and staff from Chicago State University, Eastern Illinois University, Western Illinois University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Parkland College, and speak to the value of public higher education in their lives and communities.
What: Keeping the Public in Public Higher Education
When: Friday March 11, 11:00 a.m.
Where: The Alma Mater Statue, Corner of Wright and Green
Who: Campus Faculty Association
www.facebook.com/CampusFacultyAssociation
