CP's Advocacy Intern Adam reports:

On Tuesday, March 23rd, students from around the nation marched to Capitol Hill for a rally in support of the DREAM Act, the Employee Free Choice Act, and President Obama’s budget plan. The morning’s speakers included a unique combination of student activists and elected officials. United States Students’ Association Vice President and former Campus Progress Student Advisory Board Member Gregory Cendana served as emcee for the event and was representative of the crowd’s enthusiasm and optimism. He led thunderous chants of, “Can’t stop, won’t stop” and “Money for higher education, not for bankrupt corporations.” 

 

Students from as far as Arizona and California were on hand to demand lower student loan debt and increased Federal financial aid. A junior from UCLA spoke passionately about her experiences commuting daily to school two hours each way because she cannot afford housing. Although her family moved to this country when she was six years old, she still cannot receive any college loans. Her comments were understandably emotional as she argued that education is a right and that the DREAM Act is a necessity.

Along with the students who spoke about their personal experiences, several Congressmen were on hand to reaffirm their commitment to our country’s young people. Representative George Miller (D-CA) argued that student debt often prevents students from choosing a career path that they are passionate about. He urged students to “choose a career where your heart is, not just where the loans will be paid.” Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) also made an appearance, assuring attendees that “the winds of change are blowing in DC.” He told a story about a Korean immigrant in Illinois who was unable to attend college since he was not a U.S. citizen, and later went on to promise his support of the DREAM Act as long as he remained in Congress. Representative Jared Polis (D-CO) also spoke at the rally, telling the crowd that it is time to “Invest in education and invest in our nation!”

After the rally, students dispersed to various Congressional offices for meetings with their Senators and Representatives. The meetings gave students the opportunity to tell their stories and to demand the passage of the DREAM Act, EFCA, and Obama’s Budget Plan. Attendees hoped that the lobby day would make clear to Congress that young people are committed to their causes and set on reclaiming their future. The rally and lobby day were organized by the United States Student Association as part of their 40th Annual Grassroots Legislative Conference.

Campus Progress reached out to DC area students, and encouraged them to participate in the rally and lobby day. We have also been encouraging students to meet with members of Congress to discuss the 2010 budget and higher education legislation during April’s congressional district work period, and are working to educate young people about the Employee Free Choice Act, college affordability, and other related issues. 

Additionally, Campus Progress has been encouraging students to get involved in the Student Labor Week of Action, to support the Employee Free Choice Act, green jobs, and student/labor solidarity.

If you are interested in getting involved, please email organize@campusprogress.org.