Once again, a group of people from Eastern have had to fight for funding that is normally expected from the state.

However, this has been less than a normal year, and it has unfortunately come to the point that students, faculty, staff and more have had to rally numerous times for money the university needs to operate.

On Friday, students and faculty members from Eastern’s chapter of the University Professionals of Illinois went all the way to Chicago this time, joining those protesting from public universities from around Illinois and many other groups voicing their dissatisfaction with Illinois’ government, both in the city of Chicago and statewide.

While the Chicago Rally was important to get state universities together to fight for higher education funding, the many groups of people from different areas who were rallying, shows that this budget impasse has not just affected universities.

It is important to keep in mind that there are many people suffering because of Illinois’ lack of cohesion and politicians who care more for their own well being than that of their constituents.

The amount of people who packed the Thompson Center and shouted about their distaste for Gov. Bruce Rauner and other government officials is only one indication that the system in Illinois is seriously broken.

Many people from state universities from across Illinois are watching the budget crisis hurt their schools’ students, faculty, staff and employees. They all have the same love for their university that the Eastern community has for Eastern.

According to The Daily Eastern News, Chicago State students such as Christopher Glen said Chicago State “is the place where dreams come true.”

So many students can relate to feeling the same way about their universities.

As pointed out in the same article, Chicago State is a school that serves an underrepresented and underserved community, just like many other state schools.

As several people pointed out that day, it is tragic that universities that help a diverse group of students better their lives are in danger because of other people’s irresponsibility.

Many of the people who spoke at the rally grew up around Chicago State, just like many students, faculty and staff grew up and spent their lives around Eastern.

With all these similarities, it is no surprise that many spoke on the importance of these groups working together.

Although it may seem like previous protests and rallies have been ignored by those in power, if there are more people who keep speaking up and fighting, they will eventually have no choice but to listen whether they want to or not.