Conservative student groups are protesting a proposal that would increase the student activity fee by $2 a quarter.
The Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) and the DePaul College Republicans and some students are against what it would fund and what it stands for.
“The fee would go to something that is allowing people to break the law”, YAF executive board member Natalie Kizior said. “But also this is not a choice, but forced. If I don’t believe in what it’s funding, and it goes against my beliefs, why do I have to be forced into it?”
YAF is not the only group on campus that opposes the fee, as do the DePaul College Republicans, but so do individual students.
The proposed referendum would not be optional, it would appear on the student’s fees, such as the U-PASS and the Ray Fitness Center.
Asma Qazi, a DePaul junior studying education, understands the concerns that other students may have.
“I get where people are coming from, but if it was me and I was forced to be funding something that I do not believe it, and goes against my core values, then yes I would be against funding it. It is just a basic right of have that choice, and not being forced.”
Choice is one issue students have against the fee, another is the overwhelming amount of students who are in need of help to paying for DePaul.
One-third of DePaul students qualify for either the MAP or PELL grant that is awarded to students by the state. Qualifying for these grants defines a student as “need based” or “middle to lower class” by the state. This would mean around one-third of DePaul could be middle to lower class and needs help to pay for school. On average a DePaul student will graduate with around $30,000 in loans.
Qazi is among one of those student. “I got a scholarship and some grants, but I also took out loans to go here, but I also understand that some people might not have that resources that I do”.
“I have loans, and so do other people,” said Kizior. “I’m going to have to be paying off loans for a few years after I graduate”.
“I agree college is expensive. DePaul students need help to pay for school, so if we are going to help anyone, why don’t we help those who are citizens, or immigrants who are here legally,” Kizior said.
Adan Figueroa, a DePaul graduate student and member of the Undocumented Vincentians & Allies, (UVA), is hoping to get this referendum passed by the student body. “It’s money that will help someone get an education and have a better life. Two dollars a quarter, $6 a year, that’s not having Starbucks for a day, it’s doable.”
DePaul University does not have an exact number of how many undocumented student are enrolled. As of now, undocumented student have little access to aid option to pay for school. Grants such as the MAP grant, or PELL grant are unreachable, because of their undocumented status. The majority of scholarship options are for citizens only, and those that are for undocumented student, such as the Dreamer Fund, are competitive.
UVA in partnership with SGA are working to get the referendum passed. The $2 a quarter fee will go towards funding scholarships for undocumented student at DePaul, who do not have access to financial aid and are need based.
SGA, current Senator for Mission and Values and Vice Presidential candidate Gracie Covarrubias wants to encourage students to pass this referendum, because this will give back to those in need. “To me this the question of “how is what we are funding relating back to the Vincentian mission. For me this scholarship is funded by Vincentian. It’s taking a look at who needs help and giving them the help they need, and then spreading the Vincentian mission of always giving back.”
Figueroa said there needs to be more done for those undocumented student. “We are a Vincentian institution. Helping people is what DePaul stands for. Since the day we walk into DePaul we are told helping others is one of core values of this college. Well now let’s show it.”
The proposed referendum fee was passed unanimously by the SGA, allowing it to be put on the elections ballot.
Alejandro Trevino, the Senator for the College of Computing and Digital Media, voted yes but did hear both sides argument.
“I did hear and understand some people are against the fee, but I voted yes because the majority of people were for the fee, because it could go to that one student, who sits next to you in class, who is undocumented, and is in need of help. I was voting for something that could affect them positively so of course I support them getting an education and having the access and options to do so,” said Trevino.
DePaul University has an estimated enrollment of approximately 15,000 undergraduate students. A $2 fee a quarter, per student, for 3 quarters will generate approximately $90,000.
If passed the proposal would still have to go through the administration, and Board of Trustees.
If the fee does not pass the SGA elections, then it will not be included in next year’s tuition.
Starting Monday, May 8th through Friday, May 12th, voting for the proposed referendum will be available.