A rally of about 100 students Thursday marked the first big show of solidarity for campus groups in jeopardy of losing funding in a student services fees lawsuit.
Students and community members joined forces in front of Northrop Mall to support the mandatory student services fees for the University YW, the Queer Student Cultural Center and La Raza Student Cultural Center. The three are the source of contention in a lawsuit filed against the Board of Regents by five students who say the fees are unconstitutional.
The location was also next to Morrill Hall, where regents were holding their monthly meetings. A joint statement prepared by University President Mark Yudof and Regents Chairman William Hogan made it clear where the administration stands.
“We intend to define the University’s policies in a court of law,” Yudof said. This is the first insight into the school’s legal strategy.
“We will work to make sure that the process remains fair and democratic,” Hogan added.
Speakers included those from the American Indian Student Cultural Center, Asian American Student Cultural Center and representatives of campus ministries. Many speakers said the student fees were important and necessary because they promoted diversity.
At least two of those who filed the lawsuit, Matt Curry and Jessie Roos, were at the rally. They stood behind the crowd and listened to the speakers.
— Nancy Ngo