Inspiration in Puerto Rico

Have you heard about the student strike in Puerto Rico? No? Well that's probably because the mainstream media is basically neglecting the truly inspirational story.

For generations, a University of Puerto Rico education was regarded as a sure way to escape poverty. Sixty percent of UPR's students, for example, have family incomes of less than $20,000 a year.

Since the university was largely funded through a 9.6% set-aside of all government tax revenues, it was able to maintain low tuition, about $2,000 annually, and even provide scholarships for standouts. It also enjoyed relative autonomy from the government.

But Fortuño's administration has promised Wall Street bondholders that it will make students pay a bigger share of the university's operating costs, downsize government and initiate more public-private partnerships.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/2010/06/09/2010-06-09_ugly_showdown_seems_probable_in_puerto_rico.html#ixzz0rBxWbhD0

If privatization of the University occurs, it would virtually make attending the school a financial impossibility for the 60% of students living under the poverty line. The students of Puerto Rico have organized a strike that has successfully shut down the university system since April 21st. They have set up camp-like communities on the various campus grounds complete with tents and daily rallies. The tension between the police, the administration, the government, and the students and their allies has only increased within the past 50+ days of peaceful protest.

Students on the mainland could really learn a thing or two from the brave students of Puerto Rico. As a recent college graduate, and now future graduate student at NYU, I've witnessed the rise in complacency concerning debt. And by debt, I don't mean ten or even twenty thousand dollars. Students today are graduating with debts closer to sixty and seventy thousand dollars. Higher education has always been a luxury, especially for those living under the poverty line or in urban areas, but in its current state coupled with the recession, higher education is highly inaccessible for a large amount of middle and working class students. It is sad that it has taken this long for people to realize the cost of a college education is absurd. I mean it's nice that students are becoming more and more aware of the soaring costs of higher-ed in the continental United States, but it's as though this issue only matters when it begins to affect those who aren't considered socio-economic or racial minorities.

The more political pressure that is placed on the Puerto Rican government, the less likely privatization will occur. The students have been called "terrorists" by some media outlets, but to me they're heroes. Ultimately, the situation in Puerto Rico needs more coverage and the students need your support. Please spread the word about their courageous acts!