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EDUCATION SECRETARY SPEAKS TO MADISON STUDENTS
WPR News - Education secretary speaks to Madison students
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Thursday April 19, 2012
by Gilman Halsted
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(MADISON) Department to Education Secretary Arnie Duncan says he hasn't given up on passing the Dream Act that would allow the children of undocumented immigrants to get financial aid to attend college. Duncan spoke to the senior class at a Madison high school Wednesday. (4/18)
Students at Madison East High School peppered the education secretary with questions about college financial during an hour-long town hall meeting. His answer to this question from senior Blanca Cruz prompted loud applause, "A lot of students all over the country, they're brought here by their parents, and they want to pursue a higher education but they lack the status to get funds to do that so I'd like to know your views on that." 'Yeah I'm thrilled you brought that up. Not everyone agrees with me but I think we have to pass the Dream Act I think we're crazy as a country...."
Duncan says many immigrant children came to the U.S. as infants and have excelled as students and become leaders in their communities. He says denying them a higher education makes no sense, "I just think we're absolutely crazy to not give these young people the chance to fulfill their real potential in life. It just makes no sense whatsoever. We're cutting off our nose to spite our face in this country right now."
Providing more financial aid for all students was Duncan's theme at the meeting Beside his podium was a huge poster reading Need money for College? Billions of dollars available. He says he proud that under his watch $40 billion in federal funds that once subsidized banks is now being used to fund Pell grants for college students. Protesters outside the event called on Duncan to increase federal funding for special needs students. Duncan told reporters that funding is gradually increasing.
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