See more of the story

The University of Minnesota students and leaders rallied at the Capitol today, touting the U's role in driving the state's economy and asking for continued funding despite a grim budget.

The rally was smaller than that held last week by students in the state's other public higher education system, MnSCU. I counted about 100 students.

Students and legislators who spoke said funding the U would help keep tuition affordable. Congressman Keith Ellison argued that higher education is a social good.

"If your education benefits society, then society should help pay for your education," he said, to cheering.
A few scenes from the rally: