Chicago–(ENEWSPF)–February 5, 2016 — Chicago State University, a predominantly Black institution located on the south side of Chicago, is facing imminent closure as Governor Bruce Rauner and the General Assembly hold the state’s budget in limbo. Since 1867, Chicago State University has been a gateway for an innumerable amount of Chicagoans seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees. Currently, CSU is operating on financial reserves that are close to being fully exhausted by early March 2016. This can potentially force the university to shut its doors and hinder future students from graduating.
Chicago State University president, Thomas Calhoun, as well as the Board of Trustees has declared “a universitywide state of financial exigency”. This is defined as a financial crisis “…which threatens the survival of the institution as a whole,” and “cannot be alleviated by less drastic means” . As concerned citizens, we are demanding that Governor Rauner and the Illinois General Assembly pass the state budget in order to not only ensure that the 4,000 students currently enrolled at Chicago State University can continue taking classes, but to preserve campus services and the jobs of those employed at the university. We demand that there should be no disruption in our education.
Chicago State University serves a high percentage of African American students who have chosen Chicago State University as their choice of higher education, with the intention of successful completion and to seek out enhanced job opportunities. We stand by the opinion that students seeking higher education should not be penalized as funds become obsolete. CSU students should not pay the price for the mismanagement of funds by previous administrations or the lack of concern expressed by Governor Rauner and the Illinois General Assembly.
In response to this potential injustice CSU students, alumni, community members and supporters will be rallying on Monday, February 8th 2016 at 11:00 am at the James R. Thompson Center located 100 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601.
Facebook Page: facebook.com/wewillmarchfirst
