OLYMPIA - Last Monday, approximately 40 Central Washington University students met at 8 a.m. on the Student Union Recreation Center west patio to travel to Olympia to participate in Lobby Day at the state capital. Organized by the Associated Students of Central Washington University Board of Directors (ASCWU-BOD) and the Washington Student Association (WSA), the Central student presence was the largest ever at Lobby Day.
“I think we stacked up higher than the other universities,” said John McKean, ASCWU-BOD legislative liason. “We did what we could over here.”
As students arrived by bus in Olympia, they were given protest signs and briefed on the day’s activities by the WSA.
“We have to get students involved,” said Jose Ochoa, junior political science major who held a “Fund Financial Aid” sign during the rally. “The more support we have, the more likely we are to make a difference.”
While many students came to Monday’s rally because they largely depend on financial aid and wanted to protest another tuition increase, others saw it as a chance to be involved in a good cause.
“It’s an opportunity to get out there and build on the energy here and find a way to apply yourself,” said Chad Horton, junior nutrition major.
At noon, the student groups marched to the steps of the legislative building where they participated in chants and listened to speakers talk about hard times. They weren’t alone either – they marched as a part of the pro-revenue rally that included groups for health care workers, grade school teachers and union representatives. State Patrol estimated the afternoon crowd at approximately 6,000.
“They said they were starting a revolution,” said Magdaleno Rose-Avila, an international human rights activist over the loudspeaker, in reference to the morning’s “teabaggers” rally that drew approximately 3,000 individuals. “But this is what a revolution looks like.”
Every few minutes, a new chant would start up.
“Education not for sale!” and “Kids not cuts!” the crowd shouted.
Carina Mariscal, junior psychology and law and justice major, attended the rally in hopes of making a point.
“If tuition were to increase, I’d have a much harder time staying in school,” Mariscal said. “My parents just don’t make enough.”
Student groups from all the state universities were present and many shared their stories of frustration and hope.
Genie Amkoudinovi, junior neurology major at Western Washington University, mingled with the Central group and found common ground in her struggles.
“All I have is financial aid – without it I might not be eligible to finish my degree,” Amkoudinovi said. “I urge students to stand up, if at least not for themselves, then for their friends.”
As the rally ended, students ventured into the capitol building to meet with their representatives and watch the political process firsthand. Students were given a brief 10-minute meeting with Senator Janea Holmquist, who represents the 13th district where Central resides.
“I just got my student loans paid off so I’m sensitive to tuition bills,” Holmquist said. “I know students in my area and they must have access to college.”
Holmquist also stressed the importance of keeping education local.
“Folks who are born and raised here should go to school here and hopefully, work here someday,” Holmquist said. “I don’t want students to have to go out-of-state for their education.”
From there, students were able to watch the state Senate in session as they debated and passed bills. Holmquist even requested that the students of Central be officially recognized on the floor by the president of the Senate, Lt. Gov. Brad Owen. The students were asked to stand as members of the Senate applauded their presence.
For many students, the legislative process was a new one that opened their eyes.
“I’ve never experienced a Senate meeting before,” said Lorraine Barboza, sophomore undecided. “I think it’s a great process … I didn’t know there were so many steps to passing a bill.”
Former ASCWU–BOD President Pedro Navarrete, was able to meet with his representatives and was encouraged by the turnout.
“It’s so important students get involved with the process that dictates the cost of their education,” Navarrete said. “Public service, they answer to us – we don’t answer to them.”
As the day wrapped up and students wearily walked back to the bus, organizers and participants talked of the day’s successes and the impact they had.
“Everyone felt like they got their feelings across,” Navarrete said. “I truly believed they were listening to us.”
Others weren’t so sure that representatives were really listening.
“It’s been a worthwhile educational experience but I feel that the student voice still isn’t being heard,” said Anthony Peterson, ASCWU-BOD vice president of student life and facilities.
Jack Barry, ASCWU-BOD vice president of political affairs, was encouraged by the day’s meetings, many of which were with liaisons who are recent college graduates.
“Most of the people I met with seemed to understand that Central took uneven cuts, they understood how we got screwed by the legislature,” Barry said. “We were bringing up points that are starting to stimulate their minds. I’m starting to sense a change of sentiment.”
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