Jakob Milani
Staff Writer
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Murray State’s Student Government Association joined around one-hundred other students from across Kentucky for the rally for higher education on Friday, Feb. 26

The rally usually occurs in person at the state capital, but due to COVID-19, the event was held virtually this year via Zoom. The event featured different keynote speakers including Governor Andy Beshear and President of the Council on Postsecondary Education Dr. Aaron Thompson.

Many topics were discussed throughout the event, including Mental Health in the current climate, Diversity Equity and Inclusion on campuses, COVID-19 and its impact on student life, Politicized issues: how to unify campuses, and CPE: Advocacy and Involvement in Higher Education.

Senior Warren Norman, president of the SGA at Murray State, discussed the event and what it was like having Governor Beshear at the event.

“Having Governor Beshear at the rally was definitely the most memorable part of the experience,” Norman said. “He made all of the SGA Presidents and students that attended across the state very proud because we all know that higher education is important to him and his future agenda.”

With the event being on Zoom, issues were inevitable. However, according to Norman, issues were few and far between at the event.

“We did have a few difficulties with the virtual rally because at one point the Governors zoom was a bit spotty,” Norman said. “Morehead State University’s President Emily Wiley did a great job getting the Governor reconnected and keeping the conversation going with Dr. Thompson.”

Norman also talked about the turnout for students from Murray State, saying he was very pleased with the turnout and hopes that even more people join them next year and for years to come.

“It speaks volumes that so many student leaders joined us this year to advocate for Higher Education in addition to all of the emotional and physical stress of this year,” Norman said. “It makes me extremely proud to be a Murray State Racer seeing how many students we had participated.”