Taxes’ lethal hands have left education alone, until now.

In Evanston, the city council decided it needed more money and didn’t want to go to the usual taxpayer. With a gleam in their eyes, they looked toward Northwestern University and approved a $5-a-month fee on students of higher education.

Although the ordinance pinpointed colleges and universities in the northern suburbs, Northwestern seems to be the tax’s target.

Apparently the university is resented for being exempt from paying property taxes because it was built before Evanston was incorporated. In the meantime, three other universities’ students are being taxed.

Fortunately, Evanston’s mayor vowed to veto the ordinance, but the precedent this sets is scary. The minute someone with enough clout begins to blow hot air, students might have to begin emptying their pockets.

Also, there are some things the city council isn’t recognizing. One of those things being financial aid, which is federally funded and hence paid in part by the citizens in Evanston. If the city council wanted to “get” Northwestern, they weren’t thinking ahead.

Another something to consider is the revenue the students at Northwestern contribute to Evanston. Every college town has businesses depending on the students for survival, students who might go elsewhere if they have to pay a fee.

Education is the key to solutions for many societal problems and must stay tax-free.