College Students React to Gibbons' State of the State Speech

College Students React to Gibbons' State of the State Speech

LAS VEGAS - Students at UNLV's Boyd School of Law watched the governor's speech on Monday night.

Boyd Law School student Trevor Hartzell says he was surprised the governor neglected to mention possible cuts to higher education. "It's looking pretty grim. If he wasn't even willing to discuss it as part of his State of the State address, I can only imagine that it's not going to make anyone happy in higher education," Hartzell said. "I think we need to diversify the economy, and that will never happen as long as we have a population that doesn't support education," said Boyd School student Steve Parke.

UNLV President Dr. Neal Smatresk argues education is part of the state's financial solution, not part of the problem. "We're not going to cut our way out of a recession," he said. "We need to invest in higher education, invest in the future of our students, and build a more prosperous future for Nevada." Dr. Smatresk says UNLV has endured $42 million in budget cuts since 2007. The university is bracing for up to $34 million in new cuts. "I don't know of any state anywhere that's cut this much money this fast," Dr. Smatresk said.

Nevada's college students are learning a tough lesson in economics, but vowing to fight. Students from UNLV and CSN are planning a walk-out on Tuesday. As part of the protest, students will assemble in front of the UNLV student union. They will then march to the Grant Sawyer Building.