I’ve never been more proud to be a student at the University.

The reason I feel so positive about the University these days is because of the overwhelming support the student body and the Athens community are showing for the working class. This support is reflected by the scores of people handing out leaflets and posting flyers, the hundreds who already have signed the petition for a living wage and the huge turnout I expect we’ll see at today’s living wage rally.

The University council also demonstrated its full support for a living wage last year when it unanimously approved recommendations to bring a living wage to the University.

These recommendations were studied for more than a year and presented to University President Michael Adams in the form of a 40-page document entitled the Ad Hoc Committee Report for the Pay and Benefits of Low Wage Employees.

The measures called for in the report could be implemented at a cost that is less than one percent of the University’s overall budget.

Unfortunately, the far-reaching support of the students, the community and the University council for a living wage does not appear to be shared by the administration. Adams has failed to implement any of the reasonable measures called for in this exhaustively researched, entirely feasible plan.

Adams’ refusal seems callous considering how prevalent poverty is in Athens and among the workers at the University. Athens ranks third in the nation in poverty, according to data from the U.S. census bureau.

Many of the workers here remain relegated to part-time status despite having worked the same job for years, and, therefore, are ineligible for some of the raises and benefits the University offers. An all too common occurrence among these workers is having to work a second or even a third job just to make ends meet and support a family.

Despite being underpaid and undervalued, the working people of Athens are some of the hardest-working, friendliest and most professional people I’ve ever met.

Without these workers, the University, not to mention the entire community, would come to a screeching halt. The least we can do is pay them what they’re worth.

This situation has justifiably provoked a public outcry – the extent of which will be on full display today at 2 p.m. in Tate plaza. Supporters of a living wage will gather to demonstrate the strength and solidarity of the living wage movement, give speeches and raise awareness.

I urge everyone – students, staff, faculty and members of the community – to come hear what the people have to say. You don’t have to carry a sign or make a lot of noise (although I imagine my friends and I will be doing these things) to show you care about the workers who make everything we do at the University possible.

- Daniel Payne is a senior from Washington D.C. majoring in international affairs.