Provides relative to the designation of military and veteran friendly campuses
Impact
The legislation amends existing provisions to increase the duration of the military and veteran friendly designation from one year to two years. Furthermore, it establishes an annual renewal application process for institutions, which will encourage ongoing improvement and accountability in their support for veteran students. By mandating interim reports during non-renewal years, the bill ensures that institutions remain committed to serving the needs of veterans and continuously assess their efforts in providing an accommodating educational environment.
Summary
House Bill 72 aims to enhance the recognition of postsecondary educational institutions in Louisiana as 'military and veteran friendly campuses.' The bill grants the Louisiana Board of Regents the authority to establish additional tiers of distinction for institutions that exhibit excellence in serving military and veteran students. This initiative seeks to improve the support and resources available for veterans pursuing higher education, thereby fostering an inclusive academic environment that acknowledges their service.
Sentiment
Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB72 is positive, with broad support expressed among legislators and advocacy groups focused on veteran affairs. Supporters argue that the bill reinforces the importance of higher education institutions actively cultivating a supportive environment for veterans. This is seen as a necessary step in addressing the unique challenges veterans face when transitioning from military to civilian life, particularly in education.
Contention
While the bill has garnered significant support, it could face scrutiny regarding the specific criteria that the Board of Regents will establish for the additional tiers of recognition. Critics may raise concerns about the adequacy of the measures and resources that institutions must allocate in order to meet these new standards. Furthermore, as the bill promotes a statewide recognition effort, there may be discussions on the effectiveness of such recognition in actually improving services for veterans versus simply serving as a marketing tool for institutions.