Education is a necessity, not a privilege. Access to private schools is a privilege. Access to low-tuition schools is necessary for students from lower- and middle-income families to develop themselves personally and professionally.

Upon graduation, students will have increased earning power and will pay more taxes, returning the state’s educational investment with interest.

NIU is becoming an institution for the economic elite. NIU is the only state university in northern Illinois. The 300 percent tuition increase since 1980 bars lower income and some middle income students from attendance. If tuition continues to rise, only students from affluent families will have access to NIU.

NIU is becoming an institution for the intellectual elite. The Board of Regents has raised next fall’s freshman clas admission standards to a minimum A.C.T. score of 25. The NIU administrators seek to enhance the university’s prestige, but this new requirement will preclude 80 percent of the university’s prospective students.

Gov. James Thompson and Illinois legislators could increase educational funding if they eliminated the subsidies for a new Chicago White Sox stadium and a new Chicago Bears’ stadium. Subsidies for the Bears’ stadium will include new housing for thousands of displaced Chicagoans. Should students pay for Bears’ President Michael McCaskey’s new toy?

Aaron C. Burke

law student