The students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison said Wednesday that Black students should be offered free tuition and housing because they were legally barred from education during slavery, and the university seems like it is out of reach for black students today.
The Associated Students of Madison said in a resolution that the way ACT and SAT scores are being considered in the applications restricts opportunities for the poor and only upholds white supremacy, Fox News reported.
Now the university are raising proposals that aims to improve diversity in the campus.
ASM Student Council Rep. Tyriek Mack said in a statement that it is only imperative for the university takes an action considering that its commitment is focused on diversity and inclusion. He also added that racial composition will just stay as it is if no one dares challenge the university.
The resolution states the demand for access for all the black people which include the former inmates, according to Star Tribune. And this means free tuition and fees, as well as free housing, which will save a black student a total of $20,000 a year.
The resolution urges the university to utilize the 10 percent of donations to strengthen financial aid. Currently, 2 percent of Madison enrollment is comprised by Black students. University spokeswoman Meredith McGlone said that they support the spirit of resolution but they are not sure yet if the proposals are legal and if they are the best methods to accomplish the goals.
McGlone also said that the ACT and SAT scores are not the only factors that are being considered in the admissions in Madison but their inclusion is also required.
Chinese graduate student Yuhong Zhu said that instead of the resolution that proposes a blanket offer of free access, he'd rather see more scholarships and that the free tuition is something that the minority should at least work hard for.
