Moreover, more graduate students would like to be TAs, but they are not guaranteed employment. The TAs feel unappreciated. Many times, it is the responsibility of the TA to bridge the gap between lecture and comprehension. Typically, the main reason for becoming a grad student is love of research. But this love can only go so far.
Graduate students represent the future of research.
We are the people who will be leading the country, pushing the cutting edge. Fair enough, but that does not address the issue of self-worth. And the new task force established by the Provost to make recommendations into graduate student funding is admirable. This is a step in the direction of a settlement. This way the students will get their TAs, the courses will not suffer, the TAs will get paid, and the university will defend its reputation as a true partner in excellence.