Prairie View students attended the Legislative Summit in Austin which carried the theme “African-Americans Staying Relevant in the Midst of Changing Demographics” Monday to express their thoughts on issues affecting state funding for historically black colleges and universities.
Hosted by the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, students and legislators met to raise awareness about important issues affecting the African-American community.
During the opening session Representative Helen Giddings said, “We do not have enough of the African-American view and the Texas government needs to know what the common people are thinking.” She also stated, “African-Americans need to talk to legislative representatives, to have their voices heard.”
The Legislative Summit emphasized the importance of citizen participation in their government through a series of panel topics which included the power of students to effect change, mentoring, and a roundtable with young elected officials.
These discussions offered individuals the opportunity to question and propose solutions to problems.
A major issue discussed was the five percent budget cut in state funding of institutions of higher learning, which accumulates to an estimated $27 of $160 million in funding for Prairie View.
This will include cuts to many forms of financial aid, including Texas grants many college students depend on to fund their higher education.
Issues concerning legislation on guns being allowed on college campuses were also brought to the forefront.
Dr. Richard J. Reddick, an assistant professor at the University of Texas at Austin, said, “Prominent African-Americans need to mobilize against cutting Texas grants. We need to provide education at a reasonable price because the ones most affected by the loss of financial aid are African Americans.”