RELEASE: Immediate CONTACT: Audrey Bailey, Chancy Kapp
DATE: August 14, 2008 PHONE: (919) 807-6963, 807-6962
State Board Committee Proposes Study on Undocumented Student Admission
RALEIGH – Following the information session of the State Board of Community Colleges and after being charged by the Chair to take up the issue of admitting undocumented immigrants, the Board’s Policy Committee today, August 14, approved a study on the issues surrounding the admission of undocumented students into the North Carolina Community College System. Committee chair, Dr. Stuart Fountain, will present the proposal to the full Board Friday morning for approval.
During the Issues Luncheon that served as an introduction of the admission issue for the Board, System President Scott Ralls voiced his belief in the open door policy that has been the basis of student admissions for decades. However, he also recognized the complexity of current admission debate and offered “that it is possible to craft policies to support our open door philosophy while also addressing many of the concerns expressed by North Carolinians regarding the admission of illegal immigrants.” He added that while future Federal or State action is unknown, “enacting any policies regarding the issue of admission of illegal immigrants clearly lies within your authority. (Follow this link for full statement)
The System Office Counsel Shanté Martin gave the Board a complete chronology of the issue, listing the changes in practice that have transpired over the years, all based on legal interpretation. She also explained the clarification from Homeland Security and the July opinion from the NC Office of the Attorney General. Her role, she said, was to “provide clarity and produce the basis for a reasoned and informed decision.”
Martin told the Board that the basis for the May memorandum to the colleges, which directed them to no longer admit undocumented students, “no longer held water.” She told the members that there is no federal or state law that prevents colleges from admitting undocumented students.
Van Wilson, associate vice president for Academic and Students Services, explained that there is currently no requirement for verification of status by the federal government. At present, North Carolina’s community colleges rely on self-reporting by students, he said. He explained that there are more than 200 categories of legal status.
The Board also heard from Dr. Steve Scott, president of Wake Technical Community College and president of the NC Association of Community College President. When asked about the presidents’ position on this issue, Scott told the Board that the members approved a resolution at its last meeting reaffirming the “open door” policy and suggested that the community college system adopt a policy similar to the University of North Carolina system that permits admission of undocumented students who are graduates of high schools in the United States.
The full State Board meets on Friday at 9:00 in the Caswell Building.
-ncccs-
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Thursday, August 14, 2008 05:37:38 PM
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