All too often students complain about having no say in the borough, being forced to live in crowded quarters or paying outrageous rent.

Tonight is the night to take those complaints where they can actually accomplish something.

The State College Borough Council is holding a public hearing about the proposed fair housing ordinance at 7:30 tonight in the State College High School south building auditorium, 650 Westerly Parkway.

Among other issues, the council is gathering input concerning whether the ordinance should protect students from discrimination in housing.

Unless students show up tonight and make themselves heard, student status could be removed from the ordinance, effectively giving landlords permission to say, "I will not rent to you, you are a student."

Although the limelight has recently focused on student status, sexual orientation and marital status as protected categories will also be discussed at tonight's meeting. To present a truly inclusive atmosphere, the ordinance must include these categories as well.

Students comprise about two-thirds of the borough, yet they still face discrimination by the powerful minority. Students may be the majority by sheer numbers, but they do not have the political and financial power possessed by landowners, borough council, local government officials and locals businesses.

Tonight's meeting could be the first step toward a balance of power in the borough.

Waiting until after the fact to complain won't accomplish anything. Tonight is the students' chance to be heard.