Whereas, Rutgers University is facing unprecedented cuts in its state funding; and

Whereas, the Rutgers community has responded to proposed funding cuts in various ways; and

Whereas, a large contingent of Rutgers students, acting on initiative, and demonstrating active interest in, and concern for, the future of their University, traveled to Trenton to participate in a rally protesting cuts in state funding; and

Whereas, the student rally in Trenton on Thursday, March 6, 2003 embodied a strong and clear message to the New Jersey State Legislature that access to affordable, high-quality education in New Jersey must be preserved;

Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Rutgers University Senate, on behalf of the University community, commends all of those who have responded in protest of budget reductions, particularly those students who rallied in Trenton on Thursday, March 6, 2003; and,

Be It Further Resolved, that the University Senate encourages all members of the extended Rutgers community to follow the students’ example, and continue to speak out against reductions in state funding, and to lobby for restoration of appropriate levels of funding support from the State of New Jersey.