Education election

To the Editor,

     As Iowans engage with candidates across the state in preparation for voting this November, the future of Iowa’s workforce and access to affordable higher education must be a priority. As student leaders at our Regent institutions, we call on each candidate to expressly state their position on public higher education in Iowa. As Iowans vote for their preferred candidates in the Governor’s race, and House and Senate elections, each voter deserves nothing less than open and honest commitments from candidates on their support for our universities.

     It is no secret that our universities have experienced generational divestment over the past decade. Year after year the General Assembly has cut away at appropriations to regent institutions, and left students to make up the difference. This is not sustainable.

     Now more than ever, students and community members are eager to vote in elections to make their voice heard. We all know that elections have consequences. We challenge every voter to ask the hard questions of candidates vying for their vote. What is your position on funding our universities? How do you plan to ensure students trained at Iowa universities stay in the state after graduation? What policies or programs do you support to help reduce student loan burdens? These are just a few of the many questions candidates seeking office ought to answer for their constituents. Before you vote in this important election, hold each candidate accountable, and ask that they commit to supporting the future of our state.

Respectfully,

Dexter Golinghorst, president

U of I Graduate and Professional Student Government

Hira Mustafa, president

U of I Student Government

Julian Neely, president

ISU Student Government

Drew Stensland, president

Northern Iowa Student Government

Norin Yasin Chaudhry, president

ISU Graduate and Professional Student Senate