USF Bulls Radio

Around 200 USF students marched on campus on Tuesday, carrying signs and shouting the mantra "Rise up!" to protest the affects of the university's budget cuts may have on the Africana, Women's and Latin and Caribbean studies programs.

The march took students from the rally held at MLK plaza, to students waiting at Cooper Hall to join the march and back to administration where Provost Wilcox was demanded to give straight answers to tough questions.

Students tried to stay calm, but passions were high as they wanted a confirmation on record from Wilcox that the administration at USF held diversity high on their priority list - in times of budget cuts as well as when touting statistics to attract funding and new students.

Wilcox reiterated several times that there would be no cuts to the departments and they would retain academic autonomy, but balancing the budget may require departments to consolidate. Several protesters said that a consolidation would dilute the power of the department - even demote them to programs, which would take clout form already marginalized minority studies.