Georgia students fight back

Reacting to reports that hundreds of millions of dollars in budget cuts are under consideration by Georgia lawmakers, over 400 students from across the state’s university system marched and rallied at the State Capitol in Atlanta on March 15.

Photo: Al Viola

Armed with colorful signs and multiple bullhorns, their chants echoed off the buildings. “Education is under attack — What do we do?” called out the members of the newly-formed Georgia Students for Public Higher Education. “Stand up, fight back!” roared the crowd.

The state’s universities and colleges have already enacted fee hikes and higher tuition in response to previous cuts in state funding for education. Besides the increased costs, students fear the elimination of programs and majors, staff layoffs and furloughs, and overcrowded classrooms and labs, all of which will undermine the quality of their education.

Following a spirited strategy session held in the park adjacent to Georgia State University, these fired-up student activists returned to their campuses determined to safeguard access to public higher education as a right for all.