The AUMnibus

AUM students rally at Higher Ed day in 2008. Photo by Frank Williams. SGA prepares for Higher Education Day

Davita Cade/ Staff Writer

On March 4, 2010, the steps of the Alabama Legislature House will be filled with students from public colleges across the state to let their voices ring in unity as they advocate for higher education funding. 

That day, which is reserved as Higher Education Day, is set aside for college students and faculty of public colleges and universities to advocate for equal state funds.

The state provides funding for grades K-12 and higher education, but this number is not divided equally. 70% of funding goes to grades K-12, while the remaining 30% goes to higher education. This difference may be attributed to the larger number of K-12  lobbyists.

This is where the students, faculty, and staff of AUM come into play. 

Braxton Harris, president of the SGA, has set a goal of 250 students and faculty to attend the upcoming event. 

“Since I have been a part of the SGA, AUM has sent roughly between 20-30 people and in my opinion it is embarrassing…other colleges and universities who are much farther away, such as Troy University, have brought about 500 students,” said Harris.

According to Harris, the money colleges and universities receive may be decreased next school year because of the economy, which should provide further incentive for students and faculty to attend and let their voices be heard.

“It helps for us to go there because they hear us and understand that higher education is a necessity and needs funding,” said Harris.

According to the Higher Education Partnership Rally flyer, this is Montgomery’s largest annual advocacy rally.

As AUM's SGA president, Harris is encouraging faculty to excuse classes for that day so more students can attend.

Harris also encourages athletes and Greek organizations to attend, saying that they too will feel the effects if money is not provided to fund their activities.

"This essentially affects us all even if you are not apart of a Greek organization or an athlete. Here at AUM most students use the academic resources that are provided by the university, such as the computer labs, writing lab and the math center, and if funding is limited then these very key tools to education could slowly start to disappear."

While Harris would like for as many people to attend the Higher Education Rally as possible, he says it is not the only way to voice your concerns. In the months to come, AUM will post further details on the event. Also, the SGA is also planning a town hall meetings that will include information.

 You can also visit www.higheredpartners.org or contact your SGA president, Harris, sgapresident@aum.edu, or Justin Edwards, SGA Secretary for Political Affairs, jedwar16@aum.edu.