Gov. Nixon Cutting Futures

At 10:30 AM, looking over the crowd of 200 or more students who gathered at the Olofson Plaza, at the entrance of Avila University I saw signs that read, " No cuts!,"  "Access Yes, No Nixon."  The crowd was here for only one reason, to make Governor Nixon realize that taking the Missouri Access Grant away from students who chose to attend an independent university wasn't what the students of Missouri wanted. 

President Ron Slpitza along with student representatives from all the colleges in attendence spoke out.  Jennifer Lindsey, Senior spoke to the crowd stating what the access grant has provided for her.  Later when speaking with her she told me, "With the assistance of the Missouri Access Grant she has been able to study more and spend less hours working a job to fund her way through college." Taking away the need based grant program would help the state of Missouri budget their money better. 

"Say No to Nixon," the crowd chanted. The rally was organized by Avila's Financial Aid and Student Affairs departments.  Students form Avila University, Cottey College, Park University, Rockhurst University, and William Jewell were amongst the chanting crowd. 

By taking away the Missouri Access Grant from private institutions will 15,500 students in Missouri, causing them to rethink their choices in college selections.  If this grant is taken away from students who attend private colleges their won't be many students accepting their first options to attend independent universities due to the higher costs because they do not receive budget money from the state.