University of Central Florida students protested student debt during President John C. Hitt’s State of the University address on Wednesday.
Video package credit: Danielle Apolinar
“Sign the pledge! Sign the pledge! Hey! Hey! Hey!” the protesters chanted while holding up a banner that read President Hitt doesn’t give a *pile of poo emoji* about student debt.
Officers escorted the protesters out of the front of the ballroom but they were able to stand in the back of the Pegasus Ballroom for the remainder of the event while they continued to hold their banner.
The organization, Student Labor Action Project, conducted this demonstration in order to raise awareness for a program called Public Service Loan Forgiveness that allows employees to have potential student loan forgiveness.
SLAP member Nicole Hamm explained that SLAP members have reached out to Hitt in hopes of having the university agree signing a pledge that would hold them accountable to informing public service employees about the program, Hamm explained. She said they have not received a response.
“This pledge is at no cost to UCF,” SLAP member Nicole Hamm said. “It’s just something they can sign and they’re just held accountable to letting their employees know.”
Matthew Monst, SLAP member and UCF sophomore, explained that public service staff, such as professors, could benefit from this program.
After making payments toward their student loan debt for ten years, public service staff could apply for the program and if they are accepted the remaining debt will be wiped out.
“We really wanted to bring it to Hitt because he won’t come to us,” Hamm said.
Shortly prior to the protest, Hitt spoke about student debt and explained that about half of UCF students graduate with debt that has occurred as a part of their education.
“The least debt you can get by with is certainly desirable,” he added.
He explained that tuition and fees at UCF are low compared to other universities in the nation, however, he did recognize that funding an education can still be a financial burden.
“I would encourage students to really be thoughtful and careful how they spend on rent and other expenses that are not directly related to their education,” he stated.
UCF spokesperson Chad Binette commented on the student protest by saying the university welcomes students expressing their opinions.
“Certainly the fact that president Hitt addressed student debt during his remarks shows it is a topic he does care about,” Binette added.
