Readers react to an article about Performing Arts students speaking at an ASWSU meeting following the decision by WSU officials to cut the Performing Arts program. Speakers were trying to dissuade WSU President Kirk Schulz from cutting their funding, saying that the money that goes toward the program, approximately $270,000 per year, is a small fraction of the total deficit, which is currently about $30 million. The cuts are part of an attempt to reduce the deficit by eliminating programs that rely on reserve funding.

Read the full article here.

Cammi Smith: “There is a fantastic local theater in downtown Pullman called Regional Theatre of the Palouse. I was an active member of the theater for three years, and it is a wonderful organization that dedicates itself to supporting the arts. Even though WSU obviously thinks the arts are disposable, the arts will never die on the Palouse.”

Joe Patrick Esquivel: “Realistically speaking; if you’ve seen any of the trends in the last couple decades or more, the only college majors that have made any big impact on the job market are business-related and STEM majors. So really it should not be any real surprise that Performing Arts gets the ax.”

Raven Savage: “Why is this so horrible? The university isn’t a charity. I’m glad someone is managing my tuition. Hate to say it, but there are plenty of other colleges who have way better performing arts programs not like it’s the only choice. This is, however, the only agriculture school in the state.”

Shannon Rae Castelda: “It’s a lot of ‘little drops in the bucket’ that start to add up when looking at an overall budget. All those ‘little drops’ add up. As far as not being able to perform, most communities I know have a thriving theater group. Spokane has several; and it looks like Pullman does as well.”

Justin Shahan: “I’m pretty sure WSU is based on agricultural research and business related degrees. Not surprising Performing Arts are being cut, since it has been funded from reserves.”

Simon Ray-Cutter: “The performing arts are always essential.”