Campus rally will call for halt to state budget cuts

As state lawmakers consider proposals for dramatic budget cuts to public higher education, hundreds of students, faculty, alumni and staff are expected to rally against the cuts at noon tomorrow (4/4).

The rally will take place in the plaza at 15th Avenue and High Street between Sullivant Hall and Mershon Auditorium and the Wexner Center. The rally is just one of the grassroots strategies that organizers have identified to express dismay over recent funding cuts, and to urge state lawmakers to support Governor Taft’s proposal to increase higher education funding in the next biennial budget.

The ad hoc group of students, faculty, staff and representatives of the Alumni Association is coordinated by Richard Gunther, professor of political science and chair of the University Senate Fiscal Committee.

Last year, Ohio State suffered a $28 million mid-year cut in state funding. This year, a 2.5% cut has taken an additional $7.7 from the university and lawmakers have indicated additional cuts are possible from the higher education budget.

In addition to the rally, the group plans a letter-writing campaign to encourage parents to contact their legislators. Gunther plans to announce additional tactics at the rally.

WHAT:Rally to call on lawmakers to support public higher education

WHEN: Noon on Friday (4/4)

WHERE: The plaza on the campus side of 15th and High, between Sullivant Hall and
Mershon Auditorium

WHY: Higher education is the smartest investment that the state can make