IN SUPPORT OF AFFORDABLE PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION

WHEREAS, the American Federation of Teachers is on record as advocating a system of free public higher education; and

WHEREAS, many states are steadily decreasing public funding for college and university education, and students are consequently forced to pay increasingly higher tuition; and

WHEREAS, as a result of increased tuition, students are being forced either to assume higher and higher debt loads or to put off their pursuit of higher education; and

WHEREAS, having an educated populace is a social and community good and should be supported primarily through public resources; and

WHEREAS, the AFT is committed to providing and advocating for access to high-quality higher education:

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers and its affiliates continue to seek out and support candidates for public office who are committed to keeping higher education affordable; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT and its affiliates advocate for legislation and funding packages that will restore the affordability of higher education.