Election Day Coverage of Question 4: The Dream Act

By: Aaron Oliver ENGL 336.002

It is a beautiful, cloudless, and chilly day at Frostburg State. I spoke to three Frostburg students today about their Election Day experiences. The question that was specifically presented to these students was about the Dream Act. This act allows students who, according to the Official Allegany County Specimen Ballot, "attended and graduated from Maryland high schools to pay in-state tuition.." The act further states that students who are "undocumented" or illegal immigrants are allowed to pay in-state tuition regardless of residency status. However, illegal immigrants must meet the requirements of the Dream Act to receive in-state tuition.

Brianna Hopkins, a freshman at Frostburg said she voted in favor of the Dream Act. She did so because she felt that if "they paid their taxes, they should be able to go to school in Maryland." Hopkins did not have too much time to elaborate on her decision because she was late for class. I also spoke to Aryn Brown, a junior at Frostburg. When asked about her decision on the Dream Act, she said "No because I don't think it is fair. I have lived in this country my whole life and its not fair for someone who isn't a citizen to pay the same amount I do for school." The last person I spoke to was Tayler Barrett, another junior at Frostburg. She didn't have much of an opinion on the Dream Act, but she did agree with Brown's position as she was standing next to her.

While Question 4 is not the most controversial topic on the ballot this year, students here at Frostburg are aware about it and how it will affect their future college experience.