A group of about 20 students marched from Turlington Plaza to the steps of Tigert Hall on Thursday to protest tuition hikes.
Organizers from the Gator Student Alliance and Students for a Democratic Society said a new bill, SB 1752, would allow UF and Florida State University to increase tuition by more than the 15-percent yearly increase that is currently allowed.
To qualify for tuition increases, Florida universities must meet 11 of 14 criteria, which include a freshmen retention rate of at least 90 percent, 250 or more doctoral degrees awarded each year and a spot in the top 50 on at least two well-known national public university rankings.
UF and FSU are the only universities that meet the state criteria.
The two campus groups, however, maintain that tuition should stay low.
“We don’t have a say in where our money goes,” said Robbey Hayes, a 21-year-old SDS organizer and anthropology junior. “This is our way to tell the school and the legislature to stop screwing around with our tuition.”
About 30 people gathered at 1:40 p.m. on Turlington Plaza for the protest. Several students gave speeches through a bullhorn while others cheered and waved signs.
Kayla McCurry, 20, told the group that for every five hours she spends in class, she has to spend 40 hours working to afford the tuition.
“It’s not right,” the business sophomore said. “I’m falling behind because of tuition increases.”
About 20 of the protesters marched down Union Road escorted by representatives from the Division of Student Affairs.
Once they arrived at Tigert Hall, Hayes gave out Gov. Rick Scott’s office phone number to get people to urge his office to veto the bill.
“Students are going to raise hell if he doesn’t veto it,” Chrisley Carpio, a 20-year-old history sophomore, told one of Scott’s aides.
Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs Jeanna Mastrodicasa met briefly with the group on behalf of UF President Bernie Machen to hear their complaints. She said although she realizes the students’ concerns, UF has no control of the bill.
“The decision is in the governor’s hands,” she said.
Contact Shelby Webb at swebb@alligator.org.
Students for a Democratic Society activist Jarrod Allen, 22, marches to Tigert Hall on Thursday afternoon to protest SB 1752, which would increase tuition.
