Undergraduate Assembly members are elected by their peers to make decisions that help the student body. Last week, the UA acted in the best interest of its constituents when it voted to send a letter to politicians supporting components of the DREAM Act that pertain to students.
We support the UA’s decision — and the act itself — because the legislation would make it easier for undocumented students to attend college and improve access to higher education.
In order to stand up for students’ rights even further, the UA should get involved in political issues like the DREAM Act more often. The next time issues that affect students gain attention on Penn’s campus and in government, the UA should again use its influence.
Though the letter backs some of the act’s goals rather than the act itself, it still is noteworthy because the UA rarely backs political causes. We don’t think the UA should express an opinion on every hot topic. But the body should take a stand on bills that pertain to issues that could improve students’ abilities to attend college and have optimal college experiences.
More UA involvement in legislation is a change students could believe in, and a change students need.
