Schools

Dream Act Passes, Educators Move Forward With New Policies: Leader Letter

Gov. Mark Dayton signed the bill into law last week.

Editor's Note: The following is a the latest editon of the Leader Letter from Minneapolis Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Bernadeia H. Johnson.

Dear MPS Partners and Friends, 

I am so pleased to celebrate with you the great accomplishment known as the passage of the Minnesota Dream Act. Last week, alongside Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) Board of Education Chair Alberto Monserrate and a room full of other community leaders and legislators, I witnessed Governor Dayton sign this bill into law. A historic moment in the life of all Minnesotans, we have now supported the creation of a generation that will forever be able to point back in time and say “I was able to attend college because of the Dream Act.”
 
The passage of this bill allows undocumented students who meet certain criteria to be eligible for in-state tuition rates and for privately funded financial aid coordinated by Minnesota public colleges and universities. Students will also be eligible to apply for state financial aid. More information about the application process for financial aid for undocumented students can be obtained from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education’s web page.
 
During the bill signing ceremony, several students shared their stories. One student said she could only attend college because this law had changed. Another student mentioned he dropped out of school in the 10th grade, and it was only then that people started to pay attention. Our schools, teachers, and staff should always strive to ensure that every student – no matter their immigration status or ethnic background – is engaged, learning and succeeding. This new policy will provide our schools, counselors and teachers with yet another tool to help all of our students achieve their dreams of obtaining a college education. We are very proud of the Minnesota elected officials, students, and staff members who have fought so hard to make this dream a reality. I thank you for your efforts, vision and courage.
 
As I listened to these students’ stories of struggle and perseverance, I remember the time I spent growing up in Selma, Alabama in segregated schools and sitting on my grandmother’s lap hearing stories about the civil rights movement. The dreams of equality that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks worked so hard for are continued today by these students, families, and our very own staff. In many ways, the sacrifice that many of our Dream Act students have made to bring attention to this issue is akin to the sacrifice that our African American leaders demonstrated during the time of legal segregation. Our struggles are one in the same, and I am proud and honored to represent so many students, families, and MPS employees who have continued this legacy.
 
As we forge ahead with these new policies in hand, I want to encourage everyone to always remember to treasure these moments of victory and triumph – and to continue to teach the future generations about this history and struggle. As more opportunities become available through the fruits of our own labor, we must never forget where we’ve come from and where we’ve been. Sharing these benefits and giving back to our community so others can also have opportunities is very important. It is the true essence of the American Dream.
 
Sincerely,
 
Bernadeia H. Johnson, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools


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