A coalition of college students, community leaders and state lawmakers is gathering on Eastern’s campus at noon on Thursday to advocate for removing a roadblock to the dream of college degree.
In 2003, lawmakers passed House Bill 1079, which gave in-state tuition to kids who grew up in Washington, spoke English, shopped at local stores, graduated from our high schools and wanted to study at our universities. Yet these same students are often frozen out of college because they can’t get the same financial aid as the people to their left and right in the lecture hall.
The DREAM Act (House Bill 1817) would expand opportunity by allowing these students to compete for financial aid and the state need grant. The reform passed on a strong bipartisan vote of 77-20 during the 2013 legislative session, but didn’t get a vote in the Senate, despite bipartisan support there.
“If you look at our economy, we must prepare for more global competition,” said Rep. Zack Hudgins (D-Tukwila), author of the legislation. “That means embracing diversity rather than rejecting it, and building bridges to the world rather than burning them down.”
The rally begins at noon on the steps of the Pence Union Building.
“This is about opportunity for all,” said Rep. Marcus Riccelli (D-Spokane). “There’s no good reason to deny some of our best and brightest students the chance to earn a college degree, the surest ticket to the American Dream. This is not only the right thing to do, but it’s the smart thing to do for our economy.”
Invited speakers include EWU student and AS vice president Francisco Navarro, EWU president Dr. Rodolfo Arévalo and state lawmakers Hudgins and Riccelli.