I apologize for the delay in my second post, but the Pennsylvania public school system has been in a rather tumultuous situation lately, so I have been somewhat distracted. Obviously, I feel the need to blog about it. I have so much to say about the subject, in fact, that I have decided to split it into 2 different posts, so this will be part 1. I will preface by summarizing the situation (for those of you who aren’t aware of what’s going on) as best I can, before tying it in with the main point of this blog in part 2. And yes, I even surprised myself in finding a link between the two. But here it goes.
PA Governor Tom Corbett has proposed up to a 56% budget cut to funding for public schools kindergarten-college. Awful, I know. Read up on it, educate yourselves, and get as passionate on the subject as I am. Anger is a wonderful mode of motivation, as I have discovered: http://wearecentralpa.com/wtaj-news-fulltext?nxd_id=256216&watch=1. After reading up on the details and realizing how greatly this could affect me, I attended a budget meeting hosted by my university’s President last Tuesday, during which he announced that this proposed budget would mean a 32% increase in tuition here. Feel free to check out the details of this budget breakdown at my school: www.kutztown.edu/budget. As an out-of-state student, I’d be paying $28,000 a year. That’s $56,000 for me to finish my last 2 years of school. I wouldn’t be able to afford this increase, even with financial assistance from my father and federal student loans. I already applied to 2 different universities in case I need to transfer, but I don’t have enough words to describe how badly I want to stay at this school, and in the state of Pennsylvania.
Naturally, I’ve been in active protest of this budget, with the hope that it will not be passed. The relevance to the idea of individuality came to me at a student-led rally that I attended last Thursday. I was quite impressed with the turnout of students (especially given the nature of that particular holiday), staff, faculty and community members in protest of the proposed budget, and, honestly, it was a thrill to be a part of such a crowd and feel our combined adrenaline. I couldn’t help glancing around, however, and observing those who weren’t participating. It was upsetting to see how many students passed us by, some smiled or threw a fist in the air but most walked by, barely acknowledging our presence. While this budget effects a vast number of people, it effects no on more than students, and therefore no voice should be louder or stronger on the subject than ours. While reflecting on this later, I did some math. According to the Allentown 69 WFMZ News (who was present at the rally), over 100 people were present. Even if all of those present were students, that would be 1% of my student body that was actively participating in the protest. Less than 1% of my fellow students cared enough to stand in a crowd and cheer for our futures.
Expect Part 2 tomorrow, friends and followers!
I think the final tally of attendance was 200, but I do see your point. I'm hoping to see a good turnout on Monday and Tuesday - perhaps as more of the student body becomes aware of this issue, more will become active in opposing it. I certainly appreciate your voice in this matter and your willingness to speak out and take action.
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