Chanting “fight, fight, fight, fight, education is a right!” more than 500 NYSUT member activists, students and supporters, rallied together before the majestic backdrop of the state Capitol’s Million Dollar Staircase in early March. Clad in hats, sweatshirts and T-shirts emblazoned with their SUNY, CUNY and community college alma mater, and waving colorful signs and placards, the rallygoers sent lawmakers a clear message: it’s time for New York state lawmakers to pass a new deal for public higher education.