FLAGSTAFF — A peaceful rally in support of tuition equality for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) qualified students will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 30 at the Flagstaff City Hall, 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff, organizers reported in a media release.
Earlier this month, the Arizona Board of Regents announced it would consider offering 150 percent of tuition for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) qualified students. While this is a step towards tuition equity and we are grateful, it falls short of equality and attainability for many DACAmented students who would have to pay nearly $5,000 more than in-state tuition.
A coalition of students representing a wide variety of student organizations (including Associated Students for Women’s Issues, Future Language Teachers of Northern Arizona, Latin Dance Club, MEChA, No More Deaths, Olson Scholars, Project Give, Social Work Student Association, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Swing Club, Queer & Ally and Young Democrats) will be present at the rally to demonstrate the wide student support for this issue. These organizations have helped pass a Flagstaff city council resolution and an ASNAU resolution, organizers reported.
Since 2006, students without “legal status” have been prohibited from receiving in-state tuition, financial aid or state-funded scholarships in Arizona, thus effectively precluding DREAMers (young people brought to the US as children without documents) from attending college. DACA, granted by President Obama via Executive Action in 2012, gives approved DREAMers legal presence in the United States. Approved individuals have permission to work and to procure Arizona drivers licenses, thus demonstrating their residency.
Advocates of in-state tuition for DACA are calling on ABOR to recognize DACA recipients’ federally granted legal presence, which is in NAU’s, Arizona’s and Flagstaff’s best economic and social interests. The Faculty Senates of NAU, ASU and UofA have all passed resolutions supporting in-state tuition for DREAMers with DACA. On Tuesday March 10, the Flagstaff City Council passed a resolution urging ABOR (Arizona Board of Regents) to recognize DACA-approved Arizona youth as Arizona state residents for purposes of educational benefits including in-state tuition, financial aid and scholarships.
Organizers are asking participants to bring signs encouraging the AZ Board of Regents to do the right thing and offer in-state tuition for DACA qualified students. If you have a white “In-State for DREAMers” t-shirt, please wear this to the rally. While 150% is better than out of state tuition, it does not represent tuition equity for our community.
Contact epo4@nau.edu for more information.