PELL CITY, Ala.
The state board of education passed a new policy denying undocumented students admission to Alabama’s two-year colleges on Thursday, despite one board member’s calls to delay it for more discussion and four of the nine members being absent.
The policy, which takes effect next spring, was passed on a 4-0 vote, with Ethel Hall of Fairfield abstaining. Four board members ¯ David Byers of Birmingham, Ella Bell of Montgomery, Sandra Ray of Tuscaloosa and Gov. Bob Riley ¯ were not at the meeting, which was held in Pell City.
Hall said she was hesitant to vote because there was only a brief discussion when the policy was first presented to the board at a work session two weeks ago.
“I don’t think we’ve done the kind of research we need to do in order to approve the policy,” she said before describing how her brushes with racial discrimination, such as being denied admission to the University of Alabama despite extensive qualifications, added to her reluctance.
She later taught at the school for seven years.
“It’s very, very, dear to me because I have been one of those who have been excluded and I was certainly capable and an American-born citizen,” Hall said. “So I cannot support this policy until I am given additional information.”
Starting next spring, applicants to the community college system will be required to show an Alabama driver’s license, state ID card, an unexpired U.S. passport, or an unexpired U.S. permanent resident card.
Two secondary forms of documentation, including a photo ID card and a Certificate of Naturalization, will also be accepted. All international applicants must provide a U.S. VISA and an official translated copy of their high school/college transcript along with information such as exam scores and proof of adequate financial support.
Shay Farley, attorney and spokeswoman for the Alabama Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, addressed the board during a public comment period, questioning the policy's necessity and cautioning that there could be unintended consequences.
