Supporters of reduced tuition for DACA students rallied in front of the Flagstaff City Hall on April 30. Photo by Eduardo Tapia ©2015
FLAGSTAFF — Students and community members rallied in front of the Flagstaff City Hall on April 30 in support of a cut in tuition for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) qualified students.
The event was one of a number of rallies held throughout Arizona. Students currently pay out-of-state tuition, the highest amount of tuition for those attending Northern Arizona University, the University of Arizona and Arizona State University.
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
Local students from a local cultural education program show their support for reduced tuition rates for DACA students. Photo by Eduardo Tapia ©2015
Earlier this month, the Arizona Board of Regents announced it would consider charging the students 150 percent of the in-state tuition rate.
“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” organizers reported.
Participants who were scheduled to take part in the Flagstaff rally included 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), organizers reported.
A student from a local cultural education program shows her support for reduced tuition rates for DACA students. Photo by Eduardo Tapia ©2015
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 U.S. as children without documents) from attending college, organizers reported.
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.
Supporters for reduced tuition rates for DACA students line up in front of the Flagstaff City Hall to raise awareness and gain support for their cause. Photo by Eduardo Tapia ©2015