Protesters shut down Eastern Michigan University’s Board of Regents meeting Tuesday.
Students voiced their opposition of the Regents’ continued relationship with the Education Achievement Authority with drum-led chants of “black lives matter” and “we’re so tired of this, let us go home.”
In December, the Regents approved a resolution that stated the Regents should continue participation in the inter-local agreement with the EAA unless considerable improvement is not seen in the next year.
Governor Rick Snyder created the Education Achievement Authority in June 2011 as a statewide school system for failing schools. However, the authority has yet to move out of the Detroit area. The EAA started taking over failing schools in 2012 and currently oversees 15 schools in Detroit including nine elementary and middle schools and six high schools.
Initially, president Susan Martin attempted to speak over the protesters and continue business. However, after protesters stood in front of the Regents and linked hands, the disruption overpowered the meeting and the Regents chose to adjourn.
"We respect the rights of our students to express their views on important community issues," said Geoff Larcom, executive director of media relations for EMU, after the Regents left the chambers.
The Regents would not comment on the disruption or the early adjournment of their regular meeting.
While the protest did shut down the regular meeting, the Regents were still able to conduct all necessary business before adjourning.
Vice president and secretary of the Board of Regents Vicki Reaume proposed a motion to approve all of the items on Tuesday’s docket in the interest of finishing the meeting more quickly. This motion was adopted and all items were approved.
Among the approved items was an $8.9 million capital budget that includes investment for health-related programs in Rackham Hall, Honors College expansions and the renovations of Wise Residence Hall.
Also approved was a 4 percent increase in residence student living and dining spaces as well as a 5 percent increase in dining and apartment rates.
