A student-led effort to express support for 91ΒιΆΉΣ³»and opposition to a proposed merger with the University of 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» transformed the serene Oak Grove into a setting of boisterous unity on Tuesday, Feb. 25.
βWe are making a stand today to show that 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly is unique and has a great education system with hands-on, project-based learning and we should stay independent,β said Student Government Association President Ryan Perez, a senior mechanical engineering major from Miami, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³».
The SGA organized the Stand Up with 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly event and has urged students to contact 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» legislators to express their support for 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly remaining an independent institution. About 150 students, faculty, and staff donned purple βI Support 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Polyβ T-shirts and formed a line that snaked from the Student Development Center down the walkway toward the residence hall parking lot.
The event was timed to coincide with the meeting of the Universityβs Board of Trustees taking place at the Student Development Center. The group of students and other supporters cheered and engaged with Trustees as they made their way to the meeting. They were urged to join in the opposition to House Bill 7087, which also proposes merging New College with UF.
βI want to send a message that I do care about this school,β said electrical engineering sophomore Paul Loyd, of Jacksonville, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³». βI got accepted into every school I applied to, but I chose to come here. I very well would have made it in if I had applied, but I didnβt go to UF for a reason.
βI didnβt want a big-school mentality. I wanted something different, something new.β
Samantha Gossett, a junior majoring in computer science, was also dismayed to learn the independence of her number-one educational choice was in jeopardy.
β91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly has worked so hard to get where we are and it would be a huge mistake to throw away everything weβve worked for,β said Gossett, from Orlando, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³». βI donβt think anyone here approves of the merger, so itβs extremely important to be heard as students β even a visual representation of how many of us oppose it should be enough to make a decision.β
Perez said many students are against the proposal because it would lead to a loss of the Universityβs strong identity and reputation, while degrading the distinction that accompanies existing degrees from 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly.
In addition to the Stand Up for 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly event, several students traveled to Tallahassee, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³», on Feb. 25 to speak to legislators one-on-one about their opposition to the bill, which was before the House Appropriations Committee.
βWeβre letting students know their voices have meaning β they mean everything,β Perez said. βAnd today is just the beginning.β
Contact:
Lydia Guzman
Director of Communications
863-874-8557
