By Deanna Tran

Over 100 students from the University of Louisville will participate in the state-wide rally for higher education tomorrow. Organized by Student Government Associations from eight Kentucky universities, U of L will be contributing the largest group of students to the rally’s force.

The SGA at U of L has publicized the rally for over two months as “Skip Class 2-7-07.” SGA has asked that students skip class in order to attend the rally. The rally will serve as a campaign against rising tuition, diminishing state funding, and past vetoed projects.

“About 150 people have signed up to attend the rally,” said SGA President Darrell Messer. Students who have not registered for the rally can still attend, said Messer. “There will be sign-ins at Frankfort, and letterheads that have been prepared to account for student attendance.”

Rally participants are to check-in at Papa John’s Stadium tomorrow starting at 9 a.m. and by 10 a.m., three buses carrying U of L students will depart for Frankfort. The rally is to begin at 1 p.m.

Speakers include Governor Ernie Fletcher, Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson, Kentucky State Treasurer Jonathon Miller, State Rep. Robert Damron of the 39th district, State Sen. Ken Winters of the first district, and all the student body presidents.

During the rally, students will be able to meet with state legislators and administrators, tour the capitol, mingle with demonstrators from other universities, enjoy a complimentary lunch, and attend committee meetings.

“We’re all expecting a sizable crowd,” Messer said. “Some worry that the rotunda will reach full capacity, and that the rally may have to move outside in the cold weather.

Immediately after the rally, student body presidents will assist Damron to reintroduce an agency bonding bill. The bill, if passed, will give universities authority over agency bonding, which is separate from the funding bond tax, said Messer. “It does not figure into the state tax deck, and so it will give universities greater agency to approve revenue building projects such as constructing new dormitories without state approval,” he said.

Students from most of the other public institutions around the state are expected to participate.

To register for the rally, visit http://www.louisville.edu/sga.