Following near universal criticism of the state budget from students, faculty, advocacy groups, unions, and administration, leaders and organizers from across campuses have joined together in an ad-hoc coalition to rally against cuts to public higher education. A rally has been announced for this Thursday, April 27, at 10:00am in the Legislative Office Building of the State Capitol Complex in Hartford, to meet with members of the legislature as they gavel in at 11:00.

Transportation is being offered by the university from Westside and Midtown campuses on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registration is available here. Lunch will also be provided for WCSU attendees. Students and community members are encouraged to wear university colors and apparel.

In a press conference on Monday, Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system President Terrence Cheng warned that the current budget draft proposed by the Connecticut General Assembly, though an improvement upon the cuts proposed by Governor Lamont earlier this year, would not cover current and project operating expenses, and would result in serious cuts, including faculty, courses, programs, and discussion of the possibility of closing campuses. On the same day, representatives from the American Association of University Professors union and student advocates hosted a letter writing campaign to members of the CGA in Higgins Hall. The actions follow on a series of high level discussions and emergency meetings since the public release of the CGA budget proposal last week.

In a direct appeal to students and faculty, both CSCU President Cheng and WCSU President Beran called upon members of the community to stand up for the future of the university, either by appearing in person, or reaching out to legislators. Information on how to contact legislators was included in a spreadsheet attached to the mass email sent to students earlier today inviting students to raise their voices, and is available here.

As a university event, students are allowed to request an excused absence from professors in accordance with university policies. Already several members of faculty have announced plans to excuse students attending the rally, move classes to an online asynchronous footing, or cancel class meetings altogether.

This is a developing story. The Echo and its partners will continue to bring coverage of the state budget as news becomes available.