ECC is following letter of the law
In a letter to the editor titled "ECC should focus on citizens first," which appeared Sunday, it was stated that "Elgin Community College believes the taxpayers want them to help 'undocumented students' aka illegal aliens."
ECC actually believes that taxpayers recognize ECC must abide by the law.
The author of the letter stated ECC has "no right to disregard the law," but in fact, Illinois is one of 10 states with an in-state tuition bill (Public Act 93-0007, also referred to as House Bill 60, which was signed into law in 2003). This bipartisan-sponsored bill permits undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates at all Illinois public colleges and universities provided they meet the following requirements. The individual:
• Resided with his or her parent or guardian while attending a public or private high school in Illinois;
• Graduated from a public or private high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in Illinois;
• Attended school in Illinois for at least three years as of the date of high school graduation or GED;
• Or, in the case of someone who is not a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States, he provides the college or university with an affidavit stating he will file an application to become a permanent resident of the United States at the earliest opportunity.
The law also states that students admitted under these circumstances are not eligible for federal or state financial aid. Such students cannot be hired for campus employment.
Contrary to what the letter's author purported, ECC is not disregarding the law; ECC is fully complying with it. Once a student is admitted to ECC, the college does not differentiate or discriminate based on student status.
On a final note, the undocumented students session referenced by the letter's author was one of nearly 20 topics scheduled that day as part of fall convocation activities. ECC, which upholds freedom of inquiry as one of its values, felt the topic was worthy of vigorous discussion. The fact that the discourse began on ECC's campus during convocation and continued online after the letter was posted confirms the value and timeliness of such discussion.
David Sam
President
Elgin Community College