I read with interest this news article by Katie Serrano, Federal court denies efforts to restore the Texas Dream Act. This means at least 57,000 students in Texas, who are undocumented, will have to pay out of state tuition.
The quote that most resonates with my thoughts as an educator is this one via The Austin-American Statesman:
For nearly 25 years, the Republican-led state Legislature understood that investing in all students was an investment in the state’s economic future,” Rochelle Garza, president of the Texas Civil Rights Project said in a statement.
“Texas students and their opportunity to access a more affordable higher education have propelled our economy forward for the last two decades, and they are pivotal to our shared future,” she added. “Our state should continue to prioritize economic prosperity and access to higher education for all, regardless of citizenship status. This is a devastating blow to our students and our state, but the fight continues. “
Access to higher education for all ensures we have a Texas, a Nation that builds intellectual capacity with all who are here. This diversity is a strength and opens doors for future growth. To withhold education from a child is mean-spirited and has lifelong impact, turning dreams into nightmares.
I don’t have to guess why these decisions have been made. But as an educator, I continue to think that you don’t throw people away because of where they were born, the color of their skin, their religious beliefs, etc. And, my father fought for these American values…only for me to see them eroded by narrow-minded perspectives.
America can do better. Texas can do a lot better.