“What about the students?” read the sign of one student protestors that was pictured on the cover of last Wednesday’s Famuan newspaper.
Students made signs to protest the recommendation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) that the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication release unqualified personnel.
In a recent review SACS found that several faculty members did not meet their standards that require professors to have a graduate degree; the key words in that statement being, SACS standards.
Did these student protestors not know that SACS is the organization that has the power to end the accreditation of this entire institution?
If the almighty SACS made it mandatory for Florida A&M University to have Downy toilet paper in every bathroom on campus in order to be accredited, then guess what, there would be plush two-ply toilet paper in every stall on this campus.
So why protest outside of the SJGC building, in Tallahassee, Fla., when SACS’s headquarter is in Decatur, Ga.?
This protest had nothing to do with the students.
The majority of people pay for their tuition and other costs through financial aid. And the reason is simple; SACS accredits schools, schools get aid, schools give aid to students, students get education.
So, no SACS accreditation, equals no money for “the students.”
This was not a sneak attack on FAMU.
The guidelines are posted on the Internet for everyone to see.
Though it is understandable that some students have become emotionally attached to some professors, they shouldn’t let their personal views compromise the integrity of the program.
Instead, students should use this opportunity as an inspiration, a reminder that just enough is not enough.
A wise man once said “you got to know when to hold ‘em and know when to fold ‘em.”
And if Kenny Rogers were here he would probably call this a “fold ‘em” moment.
However, all is not lost for those protestors fighting a losing battle.
Just a few blocks away from campus, at the Capitol building, there is a group of people cutting the education budget like a holiday ham.
The cuts are threatening the existence of many programs at FAMU and throughout this state.
So, there is no need for those hand made signs that reads “What about the students?”
Just make sure to stick it in the face of someone who deserves it next time.
Antonio Rosado is a senior magazine production student from Gainesville. He can be reached at famuanopinions@gmail.com.