Kwantlen Polytechnic U Waives Tuition for First Nation Students
Beginning fall 2023, the university will waive tuition for incoming and current students who are members of the Kwantlen, Katzie, Semiahmoo, Musqueam, Tsawwassen, Qayqayt, and Kwikwetlem First Nations. The announcement was coupled with the release of a framework to address and reduce ongoing systemic colonialism, oppression and racism toward Indigenous people.
Concordia U Releases Event Guide With Social Sustainability
In addition to environmental considerations, the newly released sustainable event guide includes inclusion and accessibility goals, such as having diverse representation among organizers of large events and choosing locations that are accessible for those with mobility, visual or cognitive needs. The guide also reinforces the use of territorial acknowledgments, a practice that aims to include and recognize Indigenous people and perspectives, and fosters awareness and respect from non-Indigenous participants.
U Illinois Chicago Receives $1.5M for Social Justice Initiative
The university's Portal Project, which launched in 2021 and focuses on abolition, economic democracy and climate justice, has received a $1.5 million grant from the Marguerite Casey Foundation. The grant will be used to expand its work at the intersection of social justice scholarship and social movements, culminating in a national conference and book publication.
Harvard U Dedicates $100M to Legacy of Slavery Report Recommendations
The report of the Presidential Committee on Harvard and the Legacy of Slavery released in late April describes the university's historical ties to slavery and how they contributed to the institution's rise. The report also offers a series of recommendations, including the inauguration of a $100 million fund to implement the recommendations and a sustained endowment.
New Mexico Passes Bill to Make College Tuition-Free
The governor recently signed into law a bill that will waive tuition for any students attending any in-state public school or tribal college, including community colleges. In addition to covering full tuition and fees at in-state public colleges and universities, the scholarship lets students stack federal aid such as Pell Grants, local scholarships and private scholarships so that they can use these funds to pay for books, materials, housing, food, transportation, childcare and other college costs.
Tufts U Establishes Indigenous Center
The university recently selected Vernon Miller as the inaugural director of the new Indigenous Center. Miller, a member of the Thunder Clan from the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska and Iowa, will develop and implement programming and support mechanisms with and for the Tufts’ Indigenous student population.
