Tuition deregulation is perhaps the most criticized educational idea of the year, and for good reason. The concept would shift the cost of public higher education from state tax dollars to students’ pocket books. This would likely place the expense of attending Texas A&M out of reach of many middle-class students who do not qualify for financial aid. It would also remove tuition-setting power from elected representatives and give it to an unelected boards of regents. Unfortunately, Texas lawmakers don’t seem to have the students’ best interests in mind.
State Sen. Florence Shapiro has submitted legislation providing for boards of regents to raise tuition “an amount not to exceed three times” the level students are currently charged. Rep. Geanie Morrison, chairwoman of the House higher education committee, has submitted a bill that would empower boards of regents to set tuition levels and require that schools provide increased financial aid to low-income students. Rep. Fred Brown, who represents the district that includes A&M and its students, has proposed the most atrocious bill of all. It allows boards of regents to set tuition at any level, without interference from elected officials.
Tomorrow, at 6 p.m. in Rudder 301, students will have a chance to voice their opinions on tuition deregulation at a Student Government Association sponsored forum. Aggies should attend this forum to ensure that the student leaders who serve them represent their views, and make sure that the leaders they vote into office this week agree as well. Tuition deregulation is not inevitable, and students and elected officials alike must work to stop it in its tracks.