DPS backs 'tuition equity'

By Nancy MitchellRocky Mountain NewsDecember 19, 2008Denver Public Schools board members on Thursday put their support behind a change in state law that would allow undocumented students to pay less for college.
Board members voted 6-0 - with one member absent - in favor of a resolution for "tuition equity."
The resolution, which was passed Monday by the Denver City Council, calls for in-state tuition rates for children who were brought to the U.S. illegally and who have since graduated from Colorado high schools.
Because those students don't have legal citizenship, they now must pay out-of-state tuition rates. Those rates are usually at least double in-state rates.
"This is the civil rights movement of today . . . making sure college is affordable for all students," said Lincoln High School Principal Antonio Esquibel.
Esquibel was one of three DPS principals of mostly Hispanic schools who supported the resolution. So did students from at least four DPS schools and three advocacy groups, including Padres y Jovenes Unidos.
"We believe this is an injustice," said Gloria Renteria, a sophomore at North High School. "We all want the same access to a better future."
DPS board member Arturo Jimenez said the resolution is not coming from "a group of bleeding hearts." Instead, he said the tuition equity is continuing the investment already made in students who will be able to contribute more to society with college degrees.
Supporters of tuition equity have been presenting resolutions approved by various groups to state lawmakers. They say 10 states have passed similar laws.