Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner received a rough reception from graduates at Chicago State University’s commencement Thursday at the financially struggling school's campus on the South Side.
But the crowd did not celebrate the presence of Gov. Bruce Rauner.
Student trustee Paris Griffin addressed her fellow graduates at the predominantly African-American university.
Standing right in front of Rauner on stage, Griffin rehashed how she and other students protested the governor last year because their school was being starved of state funds.
“We protested to let him know that black education is good for our health,” she said. “Save CSU’s budget, or else.”
Rauner recently overhauled the management of the predominantly African-American university because Chicago State has struggled due to the lack of state money during the budget impasse.
Rauner spoke to the graduates, but he was booed when he was introduced. Later, he talked about how the reception he received.
“I was introduced and stood up to speak,” he said later. "There was a little clapping, but there was also some negative feedback."
Rauner said he shares the crowd’s frustration.
“I am totally with them. I’d love to boo our system as well,” Rauner added. “I’m not gonna boo it; I’m gonna change it.
