On Thursday afternoon, Living Income for Vanderbilt Employees protested possible wage or hourly cuts affecting the lowest paid staff at Vanderbilt. "The cut is going to affect all of us," said Jessie Grant, a housekeeper from Towers 3. LIVE made it clear that these cuts would not only hurt those it targeted but the strength of the Vanderbilt community as a whole.
 LIVE’s tactics for this particular protest were acceptable on all accounts. The group warned administrators beforehand and were respectful in the way they both delivered a hand-written message and series of speeches. Vice Chancellor of Public Affairs Beth Fortune praised the group and described the event as completely “appropriate.” But it is important to remember that while student activism is welcomed on Vanderbilt’s campus, and should be persued as much as possible, there is a fine line between being collaborative and confrontational.
Two years ago, the Living Wage campaign encountered obstacles from administrators when ir stormed a Board of Trustees committee meeting. Though the event took place after over a semester of friendly rallies and their motives were admirable, their methods alienated instead of allied themselves with administrators.
     "Those who do their homework, create a base of student support and start building coalitions — those have been the ones that make the most impact," said former Chancellor Gordon Gee in early 2007. Gee went on to say that he wouldn't do anything with a gun pointed to his head, and it seems logical that Zeppos feels similarly. Perhaps though, Gee's best advice was for organizations to be both tenacious and inclusive.
While Gee spoke of a young SPEAR and even younger LIVE, the situation has not changed so much that this advice is irrelevant. Noble goals and visible protests do not necessarily lead to success, especially considering the difficulties. All parties involved will have to rely on patience and open lines of communication.
While putting pressure on the administration using public media outlets like Fox News can be effective in the short-term, the university's economic setbacks pose a larger, long-term problem. Sure Zeppos might feel the pinch, but his motivation will be short-lived.
Developing a plan for budgetary allocations and recommendations for cost-cutting outside of decreasing staff wages would serve both the staff and the administration better.
Zeppos plans to meet with students involved in No Cuts in a few weeks. When he does, members should consider – as they likely have – that the most effective way to get their message across is to know the facts and be open to suggestions. But perhaps more important than that is to remain persistent.
