Peace family,
This summer, the Board of Regents at the University of Michigan approved in-state tuition for undocumented students.
Why? Because the great majority of these students have attended Michigan schools their entire lives and therefore should be allowed the same rights as other students.
Yesterday, Wayne State University followed their flagship and decided to approve the same policy at their institution.
I applaud Wayne State and salute my alma mater, the University of Michigan (U of M). Not only do they NOT ban undocumented students but they also level the playing field for them with in-state tuition.
U of M's actions embody what I believe a flagship should be about- leading the state in providing an inclusiveness campus that advances fairness and equality in education.
In general, the flagship takes the lead on issues and other schools in the system have an example to follow.
So why is it that the flagship institution of Georgia, the University of Georgia (UGA), seems to consistently fail to take the lead on matters of equality and fairness these days? Why hasn't UGA pushed back to resist the Board of Regents ban on undocumented students?
When UGA desegregated in 1961 other institutions in Georgia and throughout the Deep South followed the leader. But as of late, there seems to be little institutional passion amongst administrators for doing what is right.
This is where our voices come in. You can help put UGA on a course to make history again by giving your time and money to helping undocumented students.
Three things you can you start doing today:
1. Raise your voice and let UGA and the Board of Regents know that you disagree with the unfair policies that discriminate against undocumented students. Sign the petition:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/removetheborban/
2. Support Freedom University, Georgia Undocumented Youth Alliance, Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition and other organizations that are taking a stand for justice.
http://www.freedomuniversitygeorgia.com/
http://www.guyaconnect.com/
https://www.facebook.com/events/657403454278633/
A college campus should be a place that promotes critical thinking and higher ideals. It should not be a place that falls victim to political pressure that restricts access to people who desire an education.
Please do all you can to help desegregate the University System of Georgia yet again.
Watch and share the video:
Lift the Ban by Ricky Simone
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZVppLU8myc
