Prohibits institution of higher education from establishing scholarship fund or student assistance program limited to students who are citizens or permanent residents of country or territory controlled by terrorist organization.
Impact
If passed, A4420 would have significant implications for higher education institutions, particularly in how they allocate scholarships and financial assistance. Any institution that violates the bill's provisions would face serious repercussions, including the loss of state operating aid and other state financial supports such as general obligation bonds and revenue bonds. This could lead to financial strain on institutions depending on state funding and limit their capacity to support international students from regions deemed problematic due to terrorism concerns.
Summary
Assembly Bill A4420 aims to prohibit institutions of higher education in New Jersey from establishing scholarship funds or student assistance programs that are exclusively available to citizens or permanent residents of countries or territories controlled by foreign terrorist organizations. The bill is a response to recent incidents at Rutgers University, where students advocated for the acceptance of at least 10 displaced Gazan students on scholarship, linked to the wider context of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The bill reflects growing concerns regarding the association of educational funding with geopolitical issues.
Contention
The bill is expected to generate debate regarding academic freedom and the role of institutions in addressing international humanitarian crises. While proponents argue that it will prevent state resources from supporting individuals associated with terrorist entities, opponents may view it as an overreach that hampers the ability of universities to offer assistance based on humanitarian needs. The tension between national security and educational support for international students could be a key point of contention in future discussions around this legislation.
Same As
Prohibits institution of higher education from establishing scholarship fund or student assistance program limited to students who are citizens or permanent residents of country or territory controlled by terrorist organization.
Prohibits institution of higher education from establishing scholarship fund or student assistance program limited to students who are citizens or permanent residents of country or territory controlled by terrorist organization.
A bill for an act relating to higher education, including requiring the cancellation of the recognition or registration of public institution of higher education student organizations that support or endorse terrorism or certain specified terrorist organizations, prohibiting students enrolled in institutions of higher education who support or endorse terrorism or certain specified terrorist organizations from receiving certain specified forms of financial aid, modifying the duties of the attorney general, and including effective date provisions.
Prohibits institutions of higher education from requiring students who have children to purchase meal plans, live in on-campus housing, or pay gym fees.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.