News Local/State

Equity: Should Colleges With Large Minority Populations Be Funded Despite Impasse?

 
Chicago State University

Chicago State University could run out of money to pay staff by March. Chicago State University

Chicago State University won’t have funds to operate by March 1 if  state money is not released, officials there have said.

Rep. Andre Thapedi, a Chicago Democrat, has sponsored legislation to have $25 million from the state go to predominantly minority public colleges. That would affect Chicago State University and several community colleges. Those colleges have minority enrollment of at least 75%.

Rep. Andre Thapedi is sponsoring legislation to partially fund state colleges and universities with high minority populations.

Courtesy Rep. Andre Thapedi

Thapedi  said he sponsored the legislation because schools with large minority populations are dealing with the most vulnerable students.

Sen. Kim Lightford, a Maywood Democrat, is sponsor of the measure in the Senate.

Illinois Public Radio's Maureen McKinney discussed the legislation with Rep. Thapedi.