April 17, 2006

Tonight the 17 University of Virginia students who were arrested for staging a living wage sit-in were released from the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail. After spending two nights in jail all of the UVA students were set free, pending good behavior. The judge advised them to stay off the Madison Hall property, but students said this doesn't mean it's the end of the Living Wage Campaign.

One by one students walked out of the jail and into the arms of their parents and friends.

Student’s family members came from as far as Mexico to support their sons and daughters effort to get what they are calling a living wage for University of Virginia workers.

"I'm very proud of her and the kids that were in there. I think it takes a lot of courage, a lot of passion just to stand up for something you believe in like that," said Lisa Carroll, the Mother of a jailed UVA student.

Student, Theresa Daniels, said her parents are the ones that inspired her to take a stand.

"I think my parents really passed it on to me and I share the same passion for it," said Theresa Daniels.

Even though Daniels is charged with trespassing, which could give her a criminal record, her father, Scott Daniels, believes people will look beyond that.

"I think most people will see it for what it is and not something to be ashamed of, but something to have some pride in," said Scott Daniels.

The students didn't want to take away from the real reason they are making such a sacrifice. "We just wanted everyone to know that a few days in jail is nothing compared to a lifetime of impoverishment and we still have hope," announced Nina Robbins as she walked out of jail.

Now that the sit in is officially over, students said part two of the campaign is just beginning.

"We're going to still campaign, the campaign is stronger than ever right now," said Carmen Comsti, who was also jailed.

The group said they will continue to rally every day until the University agrees to raise the minimum wage. There is no word yet on where the rallies will be held since the students are not allowed on Madison Hall property.

The Newsplex was unable to get a hold of University officials for comment. Meanwhile, the students will be back in court May 5 at 9 a.m.