Recently I was very disappointed to see that Tim Clare, candidate for University of Nebraska regent, opposes in-state tuition for illegal immigrants. I’m sorry to see Tim pulled into a scheme for votes that is totally out of the control of the regents and in my opinion plays on racism. I contacted Tim about my feelings and received no reply.
I contacted Earl Scudder’s campaign office after not hearing from Tim. Scudder got back to me almost immediately. I think he understands the situation, and I believe he realizes that while being anti-illegal immigrant might get one some votes, in this case it is not a regents’ issue, nor is it fair to the kids who would be hurt.
Here are some facts about this matter:
We are talking about 28 University of Nebraska students. They are the children of undocumented workers who are here in our state seeking a better life for their families.
These kids are bilingual graduates of Nebraska high schools. They must work to gain citizenship. The Legislature has set the rules they must follow. Them paying in-state tuition costs us nothing more than any other state student in the system. They add to the enrollment we are trying to build.
Again, this is not a position that the regents can change, nor can the governor. He tried last session and failed.
Hopefully, when these students finish higher education here, they will stay. We Nebraskans need all the help we can get in understanding how much others want to work and study so they can live like we do.
I think a vote for Earl Scudder is a vote for someone who understands a regent’s role and who also has hope and compassion for kids, no matter where their parents snuck in from.
Paid for by the Scudder for Regent Committee, Dennis Stara, Treasurer.
