Student Government Association Presidents from universities across Louisiana led their peers to the State
Capital in Baton Rouge where they joined together in a rally to fight cuts to higher education.
The Lion's Roar/Heather Jewell

Over 2,000 university students from across the state joined in a rally on the steps of the State Capitol with one goal in mind: to advocate for higher education to be spared from more budget cuts. 

The rally entitled Bring H.E.A.T. (Higher Education All Together) took place on Feb. 24 and included music by Southern University Marching Band the “Human Juke Box,” speeches on the purpose, mission and importance of higher education, a word by Governor John Bel Edwards, charge to support higher education and more.  

Bring H.E.A.T. took place to show the legislators that the students cared about the decisions on higher education. 

“To show the legislature, state and the nation how much higher education means to students and our state, the COSBP, Council of Student Body Presidents, organized this event with the help of The Board of Regents,” said senior political science major Alexis Quackenbush. “We really wanted to take a stand. We wanted our voices to be heard as well as our fellow students. The legislature needs to know just how much students, as well as the state of Louisiana, is affected by these budget cuts. We cannot continue to cut from our education system.”

Students who attended wanted to show support for those who currently have TOPS, as well as to stop legislators from hurting their personal situation. 

“I am a student and if they make any cuts that cut my degree program, it puts me in a bad situation,” said junior occupational safety, health and environment major Charles Black. “Also, I feel for the people on TOPS and I feel if they are actually actively using TOPS, they’re meeting the requirement of TOPS, then it shouldn’t be taken away from them.”

Other students went to Bring H.E.A.T. because they believed in the political process and the part they play. 

“I went to the higher education rally because as a political science major, I feel it is important to participate in all parts of the political process,” said senior political science major Erin Fernandez. “As a student, I feel that my attendance was necessary for a couple of reasons. It is important for the legislature to know that college students are voters who do care about policy decisions that directly impact us and the state. It was also important to attend to show solidarity as Louisiana college students.”

Student Government Association President Quackenbush is confident that Bring H.E.A.T. accomplished its main objective and hopes that legislation remembers the rally when voting on issues on budget and higher education. 

“I think that we accomplished our goal in making our voice heard and taking a stand,” said Quackenbush. “There were many legislators watching, so I think that we definitely accomplished that goal. I hope the legislators remember it and thinks twice next time voting whether or not to cut funding from higher education.”

Quackenbush wants students to remember that the Legislative Special Session does not end until Mar. 9 and students are encouraged to call, email, tweet, write or meet up with their representative legislators and to stand up for education as well as the education of future generations.

SGA President Quackenbush is not alone in this belief. 

“I think we should get a petition together, a uniform petition, to go to every school, not just higher education schools, but high schools as well because these are the ones that are coming into it and being affected,” said Black. “I think everyone should sign a petition, I think we should write the legislator, write to them, call every day, get the phone lines buzzing and also let these people know we voted you in, we can vote you out. Maybe some people who never thought about getting into politics should get into politics. This country needs someone who can get into office and take care of this country.”

University students released balloons at the end of the Bring H.E.A.T. rally to signify the raising debt
that is currently taking place in higher education.
The Lion's Roar/William Schmidt 

On Wednesday, Feb. 24, over 2,000 college students from universities around Louisiana met on the steps of the
Capitol in Baton Rouge for the Bring H.E.A.T. rally. Students wanted  legislators to know that higher
education cannot take any more major budget cuts.  
The Lion's Roar/William Schmidt