By Patrick Baron

NORMAL – Members of Illinois State University’s graduate school, as well as some faculty members, took to the quad Wednesday afternoon to protest the tax reform proposal in Washington.

Chanting “tax the rich, not the poor” and “stand up, fight back”, a mixture of young and elderly in attendance voiced their disgust for the tax proposal, saying it only serves the already-wealthy.

ISU’s Director of Graduate Studies Amy Hurd says the proposal will dissuade undergrads from attending graduate school, as well as drive out those already attending.

“We’re not making the kind of income that can absorb this kind of taxation,” said Hurd. “All it’s going to do is stop graduate students from being graduate students.”

Hurd said under the proposal, graduate students would see their income taxes rise over 100 percent.

Several speakers urged students to contact their representatives and explain how the proposal will hurt them.

The group began on ISU’s quad before moving through Uptown Normal, making a stop outside Congressman Rodney Davis’ office. The rally ended in Uptown Circle.

Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].