Blue Room: Ford Joins Higher Ed Stakeholders to Encourage Continued Federal Support, Reaffirm Commitment to Equity

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Concerned that changes on the federal level could impact higher education funding and limit opportunities for students, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, will join representatives from state universities and higher education organizations Thursday to oppose potential federal cuts and reaffirm the state’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education.

Ford, who serves as the House Appropriations-Higher Education Committee Chair, will lead a Capitol Blue Room press conference on the subject this Thursday, March 6 at 10 a.m.

“Students of every background and in every community deserve the opportunity to pursue a degree and the future they want,” Ford said. “In Illinois, we’ve seen what happens to higher education when there is instability and uncertainty with funding. We’ve also spent years carefully implementing policy to support diverse and inclusive learning environments. Properly supporting higher education strengthens our economy, creates a better future and improves lives. We cannot afford to go down a self-destructive path that reverses these gains.”

Expected attendees at Thursday’s press conference include representatives from Aurora University, Hope Chicago, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, Northern Illinois University, Eastern Illinois University, Chicago State University and Golden Apple. Ford will also be joined by colleagues from the House Appropriations-Higher Education Committee.

“The rising cost of college is putting many families in debt and making higher education inaccessible for too many,” Ford said. “Federal cuts will only exacerbate the issue, making college even less affordable for American families. Let’s choose a better direction.”

For more information, please contact RepFord@LaShawnFord.com.

Who: State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford
What: Press conference urging protection of federal support for Illinois higher education, and of continued support for diverse initiatives
When: Thursday, March 6; 10 a.m.
Where: Capitol Blue Room, Springfield