OUR VIEWS Consensus Opinion

Earlier this week, the Board of Regents decided against a midyear tuition increase. The announcement came on the heels of last Friday’s protest at the Georgia Capitol and the delivery of a petition protesting the cuts that had been signed by tens of thousands of students statewide.

The Regents’ decision is a triumph for college students statewide. Publicly, neither the Board of Regents nor the governor cited the petition or protest as a reason for their decisions. But student activism, along with intense media and public scrutiny, unquestionably played a vital role in avoiding an unprecedented midyear tuition increase. We applaud the actions of all students who worked tirelessly for this cause, whether from student government, RHA, Greek organizations or no organization at all.

The results show that the petition and protest were not a fruitless waste of time. They prove that, when roused to action and properly organized, we represent a powerful force capable of effecting real change in the state.

While the battle was won, the war continues. Higher education faces continued budget pressure. The new task force that is being created to examine long-term tuition levels represents an opportunity for student leaders. Lobbying efforts, coordinated with Institute administrators, should be focused on conveying student concerns to members of this task force.