Cuts leave all students behind

No matter how much the phrase “No Child Left Behind” is uttered from the Bush administration, it is obvious from the recent cuts in education funding that the government plans to leave plenty of students behind.

According to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce Democratic Staff, Congress cut $12.7 billion from federal student aid programs. Federal interest rates on undergraduate loans will increase from 4.7 percent to 6.8 percent.

Cutting education funds lessens resources to public schools and impacts the number of students who can afford to pursue a higher education.

“At a time when millions of American families are struggling to keep up with skyrocketing tuition costs, it is shameful for Congress to raid student aid,” said Representative George Miller (D-CA) according to HCEWDS.

Important departments, such as care for the elderly and the poor and education, have received significant federal spending cuts from the government, but not the military.

Unfortunately education is not at the top of the government’s list of priorities.

And the belief that the actions of the government do not affect our personal lives is false. When education budget cuts trickle down from the federal level they begin to affect students in every educational level nationwide.

Since the majority of FAMU students receive financial aid, federal student aid program cuts especially hurt us.

The federal government should focus on improving the education in America, not taking money away from educational programs and collegiate financial aid.

If the Bush administration wants “no child left behind” they need to put more priority on education and the needs of all students.

-Ebonie Ledbetter for the editorial board.