By Antonio Hernandez
As colleges and universities began the fall semester, many campuses are feeling the impact of recent federal funding changes. On Sept. 10, the U.S. Department of Education announced the end of discretionary funding for several Minority Serving Institution (MSI) grant programs — a loss of $350 million that once supported countless students.
These cuts have left many questioning how to continue their education. In the face of uncertainty, students are stepping up to create hope for one another. Across New Jersey, Future Teachers and Educators’ clubs are organizing events and workshops to empower their peers and strengthen campus communities.
At Montclair State University, students recently held a forum challenging institutions to go beyond recruitment and provide deeper, more meaningful support. Bobby Morgan, Willingboro’s Memorial Middle School principal, Dr. Tanya Maloney, professor at Montclair State University and Dr. Daquan Bashir, associate director of Human and Civil Rights, Equity & Governance at NJEA, gave their perspectives on the situation.
At the NJEA Convention in Atlantic City, students had the opportunity to connect with educators and hear inspiring messages from Malala Yousafzai and Padma Lakshmi. Yousafzai’s message that the empowerment of girls in education is the key to having a better future resonated with attendees. Lakshmi’s message was likewise clear and urgent: educators and students’ futures are in danger and we must stand up and fight back.
Even in difficult times, these moments prove that students are not alone. Through leadership and solidarity, New Jersey’s future educators continue to show that together, we will prosper.
Antonio Hernandez is the communications chair of NJAEA and a student at Passaic County Community College.