On Friday the 13 th of May, the student fee advisory committee voted against a proposal to more than double parking fees over the next 4 years (See “ Why Can’t I …” this issue). Student opposition to the fee increase arose partially because it does not apply to everyone driving to campus. All the faculty and many, but not all of the staff pay a much lower parking fee than students. Because of state contracts, these employees pay roughly $45 per semester, and will continue to do so until their contracts can be renegotiated at the state level. Until then, parking will be supported on the backs of students, non-union employees, and union employees for whom parking fees are not part of the contract.

We have some suggestions to help address the injustice of the situation.

1. As it stands now, only staff can park in staff lots, while everyone can park in general lots. We suggest eliminating staff parking. If you don’t pay extra, and indeed maybe pay less, you shouldn’t get preferred parking. This would help show that the university is committed to fairness when it comes to parking.
2. If you are a union member with subsidized parking, call and write your union and ask them to stop forcing students subsidize your parking.
3. Whoever you are, call and write the regents and tell them the same thing.
4. If you drive and pay full price for parking, consider finding a different way to get to campus, and boycott the fees.
5. If we can get everyone in the same boat, we may be able to address transportation issues on this campus more effectively, and with unity of purpose. Unfortunately, in the meantime, those that drive will struggle to find parking, and everyone will continue struggling to squeeze through the narrow sidewalks on B-Street.