THE ISSUE: The UNC-system Board of Governors will be voting on Thursday whether to accept President Thomas Ross’s proposal to allow universities autonomy in deciding the proportion of tuition increases that go toward financial aid. Two Editorial Board members present different perspectives .
Thomas Ross’s proposal is less damaging than the previously suggested cap on money set aside for financial aid at 25 percent. But while some call the new proposal a compromise, the motivation behind the proposed cap — that using money one person pays to help another is unfair — remains.
That’s why I’m calling on the Board of Governors to reassure the public of its commitment to affordability by maintaining the 25 percent minimum.
Removing the 25 percent floor would be a symbolic move away from the view many North Carolinians hold that higher education ought to be accessible.
Prompted by rising tuition, the minimum is a promise from the BOG to remain committed to financial aid.
But now, Republican BOG member Fred Eshelman is calling setting aside money for aid from tuition increases a “hidden tax.”
Nathan and those who support the plan to let universities decide rightly hope to keep this hostile approach from threatening aid again. But placing the decision on financial aid in the universities’ hands will not prevent that.
Last year, the Republican-controlled legislature appointed only members of their own party to the BOG, according to The (Raleigh) News & Observer. Starting next spring, the BOG could adopt the same strategy in appointing conservatives to all of the boards of trustees with a similar mindset towards financial aid.
Removing the minimum will only further threaten the future of affordability.
