'Right to Work' Protesters Outside Breslin as Gov. Snyder Speaks at MSU Commencement
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While Gov. Rick Snyder spoke to graduating Michigan State seniors, 'Right to Work' protesters occupied the area surrounding the Breslin Center, hoping to have their voices heard. Video by fox47news.com
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While Gov. Rick Snyder spoke to hundreds of graduating seniors at the the Michigan State commencement ceremony Saturday, hundreds of protesters stood outside the Breslin Center. They were holding up signs for anyone who would read them.
"It is unfortunate that he is our commencement speaker," said Jordan Bresnahan, a protest organizer who graduated from MSU this weekend. "It's kind of bittersweet. I have to go down there and sit with my fellow grads and let them know we're going to be making $1,500 less than our counterparts in states that don't have 'Right to Work' legislation."
Protesters say rallies like this are just the beginning and they plan to follow Snyder for the remainder of his term.
"He has stripped workers and suppressed our voices and everywhere he goes, he is going to hear those working families," said Jay Makled, a protester from UAW Local 600 in Dearborn.
In addition to protesting the governor, the people outside also showed support for graduates. MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon says that is what commencements should be about.
"I think that the great thing about America is that people can have different views on how to create a better state, a better country," said Simon. "But, why we're here today is to celebrate the achievements of our graduates."
In addition to serving as speaker, Snyder was also given an honorary doctorate of laws by the university.
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