UAH students & faculty rally in state capital

HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) - Thousands of students and faculty expect to participate in a rally in Montgomery to push support for higher education in Alabama.

Nearly 200 students and faculty members from University of Alabama, Huntsville hopped on charter buses Thursday morning to head to the state capital for what is described as a large, but relaxed rally.

UAH is among Alabama's 15 public universities that will participate in the rally, which starts at the front steps of the Alabama State House at 11 a.m.

Thousands from across the state are expected to attend.

UAH junior Nandish Dayal helped organize the trip to Montgomery.  Dayal said continued support for higher education funding strengthens Alabama's economy as a whole.

"Once they graduate they want to stay in the state; they work here, they want to spend their money here, their income taxes come to the state, and that actually supports our economy. A lot of the money goes right back into the state coffer so it's an investment," Dayal said.

Governor Robert Bentley proclaimed Monday as "Higher Education Day."

A barbeque lunch will follow the rally.

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