Local students from a local cultural education program show their support for reduced tuition rates for DACA students during a rally on April 30. Photo by Eduardo Tapia ©2015
Media conference and celebration to be held May 6
PHOENIX — An Arizona judge (on May 5) ruled in favor of the Maricopa County Community College Board and confirmed that DACA recipients have the basic right to in-state tuition, supporters of the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students, known as DREAMers reported in a media release.
The event will be held at 10 a.m. at Phoenix College, in front of the library, 1202 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix.
Students and community supporters in Flagstaff and statewide recently participated in rallies calling for tuition equality for DACA students at the state’s three universities including Northern Arizona University.
While the judge’s ruling is focused on Maricopa County Community College, supporters say it could be precedent-setting for all higher education institutions statewide.
“This decision has come as a result of an anti-DREAMer lawsuit filed by the Attorney General’s office aimed at keeping the community college board from offering equal rates to Deferred Action Recipients (DACA). (The May 5) decision makes things clear, DACA recipients have lawful presence and all Arizona higher education institutions not only have the authority, but the obligation to grant in-state tuition to all DACA recipients in Arizona,” supporters reported.
“DREAMer lead organizations and our allies have made this happen, we have put a face to this issue and will continue our commitment to see this decision fully implemented to its fullest extent,” said Korina Iribe, DACA recipient and a member of the Arizona DREAM Act Coalition.
“This decision is on the right side of the law and will go down on the right side of history, equality shines bright in Arizona despite of the dark clouds that have tried to hinder it,” said German Cardenas, graduate professional.
(On May 6), affected DREAMers, an MCCCD Board Member, and the organizations who have been at the forefront of this tuition equity fight will be addressing how we got here, what this decision means, and what the next steps will be. Come learn why this decision will not only have a positive impact on our community colleges, but will also have a significant effect on Arizona public university tuition policies.
Arizona Daily Sun/Capitol News Service — Judge: ‘Dreamers’ are entitled to lower tuition rates
azcentral.com — Judge: Dreamers can get in-state tuition in Arizona
For previous stories on this issue, visit:
Tucson News Now — DACA students rally for in-state tuition at three Arizona Universities
FOX 10 TV — DACA students hold tuition rally at UA
Arizona Public Media — Students rally in support of in-state tuition for ‘Dreamers’
Arizona Daily Sun — Opinion: Dreamers in our universities benefit all