San Diego, CA – Building upon his commitment to ensure that students have access to higher education, Assemblymember Marty Block (AD-78) tonight joined with local education and community leaders to advocate for changes in San Diego State University’s (SDSU) admissions policy, which forced 1,740 qualified, local students to be denied admission. At a community town hall forum sponsored by the United African American Ministerial Action Council (UAAMAC) the Assemblymember discussed legislative proposals that would enact solutions to change this unjust policy and help these students build a brighter future.
“San Diego State University has a long tradition of serving the community and at time when limited resources are restricting access to higher education, it is imperative that we look at ways to open doors to colleges and universities, instead of closing the doors of opportunities to the next generation of Californians,” said Assemblymember Block. “It is incredibly unjust for these students who have worked hard and met the admissions requirements to be turned away at the last minute, and punished by a policy change that was never subject to public comment. I am committed to fighting on behalf of these students and seeking legislative solutions that will help them earn a degree, build a better life and contribute to California’s economy.”
Each of the 1,740 students rejected by SDSU had met the California State University requirements for local students needed to gain admission. Despite the qualified applicants, SDSU officials have argued that the decision to reject these students was made out of the necessity to accommodate recent budget cuts. Assemblymember Block is particularly concerned that the decision was made so late in the application cycle and that this lack of notification leaves countless students in a potential state of limbo as they complete their requirements for guaranteed admission even though that “guarantee” has now been eliminated.
At this forum Assemblymember Block discussed a package of legislative solutions that would work to reverse SDSU’s admissions policy and assist in admitting the dedicated students who were rejected. The Assemblymember has proposed AB 2401 which would reinstate local student admissions preferences for universities, and AB 2402 that calls for transparency in admissions for any policies changes affecting local students.
To learn more about the solutions that that Assemblymember Block has proposed to address the concerns, as a result of the changes in SDSU’s admissions policy, please contact his office.
Contact: Mike Naple @ (916) 202-0003
