Transcript (en)

This week, the Florida Board of Education approved two new policy changes that would ban undocumented students from attending Florida's 28 public colleges and adult educational programs. All in favor, say aye. Aye. All but one Board of Education member voted on the change, a move that now has Florida students and immigrant communities pushing back. They volunteered, they worked, they took AP classes, they showed up for this state in every single way, and we made a promise to them. And now we are telling them that the finish line has been moved. Advocates say the impact wouldn't just be felt by students. They argued the change could cost the college system an estimated $15 million in lost tuition and fees. The proposal comes just one week after the Florida Board of Governors took their first steps towards adopting a similar ban at state universities. Last year, the legislature voted to remove in-state tuition for undocumented students, repealing a law that had been in place since 2014. Now that we've addressed the tuition issue and aren't given the tuition breaks for some of you illegally, then this is the next step. Supporters like Governor Ron DeSantis say college seats should be reserved for Florida residents and U.S. citizens. I would rather have that spot go to a Florida resident. Here at the Capitol, a potential legal hurdle is emerging. A legislative oversight committee is stepping in, sending this letter to the Department of Education. The Joint Administrative Procedures Committee is questioning whether education officials have the legal authority to make these changes without action from the legislature. Right now, it remains unclear whether current students will be affected as the new policy was written with a focus on enrollment requirements. We'll be keeping a close eye out here at the Capitol. Mackenzie Laporte, Ada on her side.