ASUO officials, University student groups and two spokeswomen for congressional delegates met Wednesday to voice support for reauthorization of the Higher Education Act.
The federal act, established in 1965 to help students pay for college with grants and loans, is reauthorized every five years and will be up for renewal again in one to two years. During reauthorization, higher education tinkers with bill provisions. Right now advocates are pushing for more grant money and less loan money.
ASUO President Rachel Pilliod said she wants the government to increase grants and access to higher education for financially-strapped students so they do not rack up more college debt. Other speakers added that an average University graduate leaves the school with $16,000 of debt.
Representatives for Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Eugene, said raising funds for Pell Grants, the largest source for student aid in 2002, is the only way some students will be able to attend college.
“Our primary and secondary schools are under enormous pressure to serve students and meet unfunded federal mandates at the same time,” Wyden said in a statement. “Now is not the moment for the federal government to fail college students, too, by underfunding schools and limiting opportunities to attend.”
Brenda Sifuentes, co-chairwoman of Oregon Students of Color Coalition, said Congress needs to amend the act by repealing the drug crime-related Question No. 35 in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid because it disproportionately affects students of color, who are victims of racial profiling.
Non-Traditional Student Advocate Gabe Sitowski, a student and parent of three children, said student parents face immense financial challenges. Sitowski said he works 20 to 30 hours a week, donates plasma, and has racked up a large debt on his credit cards.
Office of Federal Affairs Director Betsy Boyd said Congress should listen to students’ personal stories to see a clearer picture — students are struggling to afford their education, and funds are not available to many who are eligible.
University student senator Levi Strom said he would not be able to attend the University without help.
“It’s the loans and the grants that make this possible,” he said.
The University will send eight delegates to Washington, D.C. to lobby for amendments to the act March 6 through March 11. The delegates will hand-deliver postcards signed by students to Oregon’s representatives.