Thread: Community college officials: Our hands are tied

Published: May 16, 2008 11:35 AM Modified: May 16, 2008 03:35 PM
Community college officials: Our hands are tied


By Kristin Collins, Staff Writer
RALEIGH — Officials at the N.C. Community College System said this morning that they want to open their doors to illegal immigrants but feel their hands are tied.
"We have no choice but to follow the advice of the [state] Attorney General's Office," said State Board of Community Colleges member Joanne Steiner after a meeting this morning. "In this case, that's not where our hearts are ... I feel very sad about it."

The system this week barred illegal immigrants from seeking degrees at all 58 of its campuses. College officials based the decision on a May 6 advisory letter from Attorney General Roy Cooper's office. That letter said that federal law appears to prohibit illegal immigrants from getting post-secondary education at state colleges and universities.

Several board members, along with President Scott Ralls, said they are waiting for the Attorney General's Office to provide more clarity on what federal law allows.

Ralls said today he is open to admitting illegal immigrants again if the Attorney General's office changes its advice.

"I believe that broadly available education has more social benefit than social cost," Ralls said.


kristin.collins@newsobserver.com or (919) 829-4881
http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/1074970.html

Originally Posted by cvangel

Published: May 16, 2008 11:35 AM Modified: May 16, 2008 03:35 PM
Community college officials: Our hands are tied

RALEIGH — Officials at the N.C. Community College System said this morning that they want to open their doors to illegal immigrants but feel their hands are tied.
"We have no choice but to follow the advice of the [state] Attorney General's Office," said State Board of Community Colleges member Joanne Steiner after a meeting this morning. "In this case, that's not where our hearts are ... I feel very sad about it."

The system this week barred illegal immigrants from seeking degrees at all 58 of its campuses. College officials based the decision on a May 6 advisory letter from Attorney General Roy Cooper's office. That letter said that federal law appears to prohibit illegal immigrants from getting post-secondary education at state colleges and universities.

Several board members, along with President Scott Ralls, said they are waiting for the Attorney General's Office to provide more clarity on what federal law allows.

Ralls said today he is open to admitting illegal immigrants again if the Attorney General's office changes its advice.

"I believe that broadly available education has more social benefit than social cost," Ralls said.

kristin.collins@newsobserver.com or (919) 829-4881
http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/1074970.html

OK, ALIPAC'ers...if you can spare any energy during the amnesty and states fights...Ralls needs educated as obviously his heart bleeds:

Scott Ralls, North Carolina Community College System president
Contact: rallss@nccommunitycolleges.edu

I will send an e-mail , will only take a minute!