I will be taking a slight step back the next two weeks because I’ll be incredibly busy with New York Students Rising’s event on March 5.

New York Students Rising (NYSR) is a state-wide network of undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and allies supporting the higher education campaign. One of ECAASU’s Campus Ambassadors, Juliet Shen, is one of the organizers involved in both NYSR and Save Our SUNY. Education is a right that should be accessible to all people, not just those who can afford to pay for it. NYSR works with New York legislators to advocate and lobby for students’ rights and fair education. There is currently an act in New York called NYSUNY 2020, which will raise tuition in public universities (SUNY, CUNY, and community colleges) 30% over the span of five years. For out of state students, this means a 10% increase in tuition each year. Meanwhile, programs in the Humanities department are getting cut and others are getting downsized and remain in danger of being cut. Last year SUNY Albany lost Theater, French, Italian, Russian, and Classics. As state funding continues to dwindle, the time to act is now.

NYSR will be having a big event on March 5 at the Capitol Building in Albany, New York. We will be meeting with Senators, Assemblymen, and Governor Cuomo’s aides in an attempt to redirect the state’s focus to higher education and the students that suffer because of the state’s financial decisions. If you are able to come, please contact Juliet Shen at (480) 388-9883 or julietqshen@gmail.com. If you are unable to come, please show support and tell your friends in New York who might be able to attend. Depending on the location, transportation could be provided.