DSC Social Work Club Position on In-State Tuition for

Undocumented Students

The United States of America and the State of Georgia were built by diverse people who believed that all people are created equal and that the ambitions and dreams of individuals are sacred. For these reasons, no one should be prevented from reaching his or her fullest potential; rather, everyone should be encouraged to make the best use of his or her intelligence and talents.

Despite similar in-state tuition policies in ten other states that have been found to comply with federal law, the University System of Georgia Board of Regents and Dalton State College recently decided to discontinue offering out-of-state tuition waivers to undocumented students currently residing in the State of Georgia.

In subscribing to the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics (1999), the DSC Social Work Club advocates for social justice and is committed to a college community in which everyone is included and valued, regardless of affiliation or difference. The Club’s vision is for a better future for all Georgia students, where differences are celebrated and diversity in academic institutions adds to greater understanding and richness in thought and discourse. In accordance with these principles, the Club adopts the following resolution:

WHEREAS, an affordable and accessible college education should be available to all people residing in the State of Georgia;

WHEREAS, the policy presents obstacles to obtaining higher education;

WHEREAS, the policy is discriminatory, targeting undocumented students who attended Georgia public schools as minors;

WHEREAS, a highly-educated workforce is key to Georgia’s future in the global economy;

THEREFORE, be it resolved that the DSC Social Work Club opposes the policy to end out-of-state tuition waivers for undocumented students. In stating our strong position on this matter, the Club currently takes no stand on the broader issue of immigration reform in the United States.

Approved by the DSC Social Work Club on February 26, 2007.