On April 12, 2007 , GSG President Laura Moore sent a letter in support of SGA and other demonstrators who camped out at McKeldin "Hall" to highlight the fact that over 600 rising seniors were denied housing for the next academic year. Text of the letter follows:

April 12, 2007

Dear SGA and fellow demonstrators,

I applaud your efforts in bringing a greater focus to student housing concerns. The lack of housing for students has been a long-festering problem for the University, and your demonstrations this week are ensuring that this problem will get the attention it so badly needs.

It is nothing short of appalling that over 600 rising seniors were denied housing, and that they were informed so late in the academic year. Clearly, this is symptomatic of a much larger problem. Student housing has not been a high enough priority for the University or for the Board of Regents. It is hard to fathom why this problem has been allowed to get this severe.

Prospective students choose where to spend their undergraduate years based on a University's academic reputation, but also based on the overall experience, and on-campus housing is an integral part of the undergraduate college experience.

The same issues that have created this situation also result in an unacceptable housing situation for graduate students -- University housing only accommodates roughly 600 graduate students out of a population of 10,000. The housing shortage makes the University less attractive to both undergraduate and graduate students, and this is bad not only for the students affected, but for the University as a whole and for its reputation.

I support you 100% in your fight for better housing conditions for students, and I wish you success in your struggle.

Sincerely,

Laura Moore
GSG President

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