Contributing editor Mary Annette Pember introduces us to the term “non-beneficiary” student, which refers to non-Native students who attend tribal colleges. And although this is often an affordable and convenient option for these students, the colleges, unlike their state counterparts, do not receive any federal or state funding for educating them.
“This is really an issue of equity,” says Thomas H. Shortbull, president of Oglala Lakota College and a former South Dakota state senator.
For example, South Dakota state colleges are currently receiving around $3,900 per full-time student from the state, he says. But opponents in the state Legislature contend that approving funds for tribal colleges would open the door for other private institutions to request similar funding.
In “Deal or No Deal,” Shortbull argues that it’s an inaccurate comparison because tribal colleges are not comparable to private entities.
As November comes to a close, we conclude our feature section and American Indian Heritage Month with a photo essay highlighting the role that historically Black Hampton University had in educating American Indians. Thank you to the Hampton University Archives for the use of its photos.
Hilary Hurd Anyaso
Editor
© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
