Most states, with the exception of maybe Vermont, revel in their diversity. It’s a quality that state leaders sell to the citizenry, prospective businesses and the federal government. Although many institutions strive for more diversity, none seek it out more than universities and colleges. Diversity in the student population is a major selling point for institutions of higher learning.
That’s why SB 1294 is such a surprising bill to propose.
This law would prohibit any university from using state funds (directly or indirectly) to provide financial assistance to students with a F-1 or M-1 visa. The legislation, introduced by Ronda Storms (of course!), is couched in saving money and providing more assistance to Florida residents seeking a higher education. The irony is the bill would also require universities and colleges to provide a detailed account of where their funds go every year, which would create another layer of bureaucracy and erode any money saved.
Rating: 2 bong hits 
(Read about my rating system here.)
Stogie says:
only 2?
Alex Pickett says:
I see what you’re saying, Stogie. Maybe this deserves a 3 or 4. My only hesitation is some reasonable people could make an argument that in times like this, we should help Florida’s own first. Similar to the argument that we should clothe and feed America’s homeless before we help other countries’ poverty. Of course, Ronda Storms wouldn’t see it that way. Just from past experience, this seems to be a bill focused on xenophobia rather than fiscal conservatism.
I don’t know … what do other readers think?