Community College

North Carolina's Community Colleges have just announced that they are closing their doors to undocumented students.

The Adelante Education Coalition and 83 community organizations are calling for the state of North Carolina to continue allowing the undocumented immigrants to attend our state's public universities and community colleges. A press release from the Adelante Education Coalition about this issue is below.

We're looking for allies to help us with our advocacy efforts. You can learn more about the roles you can play at the Adelante website. My organization, Blue Ribbon Mentor-Advocate, is part of the Adelante Education Coalition. I will be going to the state capitol on May 27 to talk with legislators. Let me know if you'd like to join in.

In 1795, the great state of North Carolina opened the first public institution of higher learning.

In 2008, we may become the first state to take away access to post-secondary education from an entire class of people.

Yesterday, Attorney General Roy Cooper's office issued an advisory statement that says our state's community colleges and universities should close their doors to the children of undocumented immigrants.

The AG's statement is based on the same kind of moral reasoning that southern states used to withhold public education from blacks and women. It uses a tenuous interpretation of federal law to exercise a state's rights argument, knowing full well that this state will not give undocumented immigrants the right to an education.

From it’s inception in 1902, Community Colleges, (originally Junior Colleges) have offered low cost alternatives to the Ivy Leagues. Into the bargain add that they are closer to home and allow students of all ages to come together for one of two reasons; either a step to higher learning, or technical training.

With Bush’s history of fast-tracking jobs overseas, American’s must re-invent themselves or face the consequences of nonviable skills in an ever changing job market. A two-year degree can be earned in a technical field while staying and possibly working within the community. While Congress has voted to reduce funding for Pell Grants, Community Colleges continue to be a real choice for the middle and lower classes.