Independent colleges and universities, including St. Thomas in Miami Gardens, face cuts to a state grant for students. In the past three weeks, more than 6,000 Floridians have generated over 280,000 emails to Florida legislators in support of EASE, a state grant that allows higher-education students to choose the college or university that they think best aligns with their personal values and academic learning needs. During the past three years, we have seen continued attacks by the Florida Legislature to curtail the grant, a trend that saw the grant decreased from $3,500 to $2,841 two years ago. This year, House budget bill HB 5601 and House Bill 1261 contain language that would disqualify 12 institutions — and more than 13,000 students — from receiving the grant. The 12 schools that would be impacted are part of ICUF — Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida — and include St. Thomas University, of which I have been president for three years.
https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/op-ed/article250877704.html
