What Now?

In recent weeks, members of PBHA and of its Association Committee have discussed the prospect of autonomy from the University. Currently, PBHA is an independent corporation, but the University pays the salaries of its staff members.

Duehay said that any alumni donations from now on should go directly to PBHA.

"Alumni giving must now be funneled through the appropriate channels so that it reaches PBHA Inc. and does not now reach the coffers of the University," the councillor said.

Skocpol said she thinks there is a lot of common ground shared by the administration and the students.

"I think there's all the common ground in the world, because of most of the specific things that were said about the value of the student-run projects and the vitality of student-run public service," she said.

Pan said he hopes the rally will show Lewis just how deep student feelings runs on this issue.

"Hopefully this will show him that we do care very, very passionately about it and that we do know what we're talking about," Pan said.

Although the rally's numbers did not approach the 5,000 people PBHA had predicted. Pan said it was a good first step.

"We worked our asses off to get people out," he said. "Next time it will be a little easier.