Vestal, NY (WBNG Binghamton) College students demand more action from Binghamton University leaders, blaming BU for a lack of student resources.
The State Legislature cut SUNY's budget by $210 million this year.
As Action News Reporter Leigh Dana tells us, BU officials say they are doing what they can to make up for lost funding.
Dissatisfied students protest recent SUNY budget cuts and increasing tuition.
"We need a lot of things and we are not seeing anything. And until we have something done about it, I am going to stand out here and fight for it," said Naisha Blijb, a BU Senior.
The rally, part of National Day of Action for Public Education, draws dozens on campus pushing for more action from Binghamton University.
A poster display titled " How do you think the $70,000 raise given to Interim President McGrath could have been spent to meet our needs?".
Demands from students include better buses, more printers, improved health services, money for clubs.
"Why are we having cutbacks in student services, yet money is being allocated to events that don't really cater to student needs in terms of education?" asked Ashley Reid, also a BU Senior.
Events like a Drake concert and a speech from reality TV star Snooki are stirring debate over whether the Student Association spent its money on the right acts.
"Everyone's appalled by it. $16,000 to see Snooki?!" exclaimed Blijb.
"The Snooki event is an example of misappropriation of funds. Money that was raised, taken out of a budget to cater to this event," said Reid.
Vice President of Student Association Programming, Aaron Cohn, responds to that allegation, "Money we make through ticket sales and outside sponsorships goes right back to the programming board for us to bring more entertainment."
The University has also responded to student demands through a letter stating they are working on significant improvements to things like buses and computer labs.
As far as tuition increases, that is set by the New York Legislature.
In Vestal, Leigh Dana, WBNG TV Action News.
SUNY's total operating budget has been reduced 30% in the last three years.
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