Tampa, FL – The Student Government Senate at the University of South Florida (USF) passed a resolution supporting in-state tuition for undocumented immigrant students from Florida, Nov. 12. Out-of-state tuition is three times more than in-state tuition. Currently, undocumented immigrant students who graduate from Florida high schools have to pay the higher, out-of-state tuition.

Tampa Bay SDS came out in full force to support the resolution along with a host of representatives from other organizations also sympathetic to the cause. The Student Government Senate was largely supportive of the measure, but there were student senators who sought to prevent the vote from happening.

Cindy Ibarra, a Chicana student at USF said, “In-state tuition for students at the University of South Florida needs to pass. Student government is concerning itself with the details when this is simply a resolution of general support. The details can be done by us, the students.”

The in-state tuition proposition is part of a larger struggle by undocumented students to gain access to the educational facilities that they help fund through paying taxes. Florida students are leading the way in building a national movement for equality on campus.

The USF Board of Trustees will be meeting Dec. 5 and discussing this student motion. Tampa Bay SDS plans to pack the meeting, showing public support for this reform.

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