"I think this shows that there really is a need for child care, especially for graduate students," Townsend said.
Mikisha Brown, Graduate and Professional Student Federation president and an active supporter of the referendum, said she plans to spend the next week writing letters and meeting with members of the University administration to urge them to match the funds that will be raised by the increase in student fees. "I think this says that students recognize the need for improved child care," Brown said. "We want the University to be more family-friendly."
Brown said voters passed the referendum because of the dedication of people who worked on the issue all year.
Jen Daum, a student body president candidate who has incorporated child care into her platform, said she was thrilled to see the child-care referendum pass and that it means a great deal not only to individuals with children but also to the campus as a whole. "This sends such a strong message to the administration," Daum said. "It's something that people care about and something the administration and student government need to take on."
Brown also said she plans to continue working on other long-term projects to help students who have children. "I really commend the UNC community for standing behind this issue."
The University Editor can be reached at udesk@unc.edu.
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