Today exceeded every expectation we had, and we are truly grateful. To the 300+ students, staff, faculty, alumni and community members who joined us on our protest today, we would like to thank you. We hope that beyond fighting against defunding this protest can serve as a message to the student body of CWU. We are stronger together. Today was the largest protest in the school’s recent history, and it showed just how powerful a united student voice can be. Every single person at this school has a voice, and we are lucky enough to have platforms like The Observer and PULSE Magazine to help uplift and share them. Today was needed. Today was unstoppable. Today was undeniable.

Today we saw students from every part of campus walk out and join us under one common message. Fund students fairly. Yes, budget cuts have to be made. But the recent cuts toward not just Student Media but nearly every program that was defunded have been unequally distributed and inequitably handled. The S&A committee distributes student funds to student programs, serving as a voice for the students. Today the students spoke for themselves, and the message is clear. Fund Student Media, do not silence student voices.

This fight is far from over, as you might have heard there is a Board of Trustees meeting next week on May 15th. This meeting is the final chance for the board to overturn these proposed budgets before this defunding is finalized. We will not be protesting the meeting, but we will be showing up. Just our presence at that meeting will send a clear message to the Board, just as we hope today will as well. Regardless of the outcome of this situation, what happened here today will play a pivotal role in the future of this university, and we have to thank each and every person who attended. I am beyond honored to have been at this event, and I am proud to be a CWU student. I hope the administration feels that same pride.

Thank you.

Stay tuned next week for full protest coverage including interviews and photography of the event.