Her Campus Kean supports Rutgers Protests

In light of the recent protests at Rutgers University, Her Campus Kean will like to offer their support to the Rutgers students , believing that affordable tuition for state schools is fundamental so that all students can continue their education. 

Twenty students have pledged to stay the night in the administrative building, until they receive an answer from Rutger’s President Richard McCormick about their financial concerns.

According to an article published in The New York Times, the students represented many campus organizations that came together in support of higher wages for workers, a greater voice for students and affordable tuition without an increase. 

“Among the students’ demands were a statement by the president in support of a tuition freeze; three voting seats for students on the Rutgers Board of Governors; and a speedy arbitration for workers at Rutgers whose salaries were frozen,” according to the story.

The Rutgers students showed solidarity in their message, and showed action in an otherwise apatheic generation. The only way to affect change is to do something, and these students promoted their message through peaceful protest when their complaints were not originally considered.

On behalf of another New Jersey state school, we know the importance of affordable tuition. Many students at Kean have families to care for, jobs to hold and other obligations, though education is still a priority. For many students, a tuition increase would mean they would not be able to continue their higher education.

The students understand that the administration cannot acquiese to all their requests, but according to the New York Times, they want the administration to recognize the concerns, and accomodate the students. Afterall, the administration is running a college for  students, and their responsibility should be to guarantee a quality education to their attendees. 

In New Jersey, higher education seems to be put on the backburner from the governmnet, including massive budget cuts last year, with no added funds for the upcoming academic year. Now, as the adminstration from the state’s college seems to minimize the wants and needs of its students, higher education is taking another blow. 

In order to encourage education, and make it possible for all students, it is imperative to listen and act in the best interest of the students. 

Her Campus Kean supports Rutgers students and hopes their actions produce change that could be mirrored across the state.