CHICAGO — The Rev. Jesse Jackson will speak out against the state's budget crisis — and highlight its impact on people like college students — at a North Side speech Monday.
Jackson will visit Northeastern Illinois University Monday to speak about the financial crunch universities and students are experiencing since state officials have been unable to pass a budget.
"The state's institutions of public higher education have not received an appropriation in almost seven months. This is a crisis," Northeastern Provost Richard J. Helldobler said in a statement. "We are honored to have a civil rights champion such as Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. speak out in support of our students, and even more honored to have him visit Northeastern Illinois University to send that message."
Jackson was a product of public schools, including the University of Illinois, Northeastern stated. The activist reverend will speak about the importance of such institutions in his Monday speech.
Jackson also has been visible in protests of alleged police abuses of power in Chicago, attending a march on the Magnificent Mile and also consoling the family of Bettie Jones after she was shot by police.
Jackson's speech is at 1 p.m. Monday in Alumni North Hall, 5500 N. St. Louis Ave. The event is free, though seating will be limited and available on a first-come basis, the school said.
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