Why not a tuition break for DACA?
The article about the College of Coastal Georgia’s extension of in-state tuition rates to residents of neighboring states (“Some colleges expand in-state rate,” Metro, Oct. 26) is particularly interesting when one considers the Opinion piece by Angela Meltzer decrying the fact Georgia does not extend in-state tuition rates to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival students (“Is ‘Jim Crow’ now ‘Juan Crow’ in Ga.?” Opinion, Oct. 25).
If the true reason Coastal is displaying this generosity to residents of other states is to “create a more diverse campus and foster a growing network of students throughout the Southern portion of the country,” this goal could be accomplished easily by allowing DACA students who are actually residents of Georgia the courtesy of admission with in-state status. The argument against granting in-state tuition to DACA students — because they would be taking slots from residents of the state with legal status — could more accurately be applied to out-of-state students. Indeed, this “mean-spirited” position by the Board of Regents is particularly misplaced if Georgia colleges are recruiting out-of-state students to fill their classrooms.
LEIGH ANDERSEN, STONE MOUNTAIN
Ticketing reforms improve justice
Regarding “To collect and serve?” (News, Oct. 25), efforts to curb excessive traffic ticketing by limiting the percentage of police department budgets funded by fines does not get to the root of the problem. If the state of Georgia were to lower and cap fines for moving and equipment violations, ticketing drivers would be less lucrative. Fines of $200 for broken lights, failure to signal, improper lane changes, etc., are excessive and burdensome to the poor. Also, disincentives to fighting unfair tickets should be removed. The practice of levying higher fines and imposing court costs on those who contest tickets is unfair. Contested ticket cases should be resolved in one half-day session. Police and prosecutors should not be allowed to postpone trials. These reforms would discourage frivolous ticketing and improve justice.
BRUCE L. WILLIAMS, ATLANTA
King may not have wanted memorial
I wonder if Dr. Martin Luther King would really want another memorial erected in his name. Wouldn’t he rather it be just a symbol of freedom for all people ringing out atop Stone Mountain, as he so eloquently dreamed? A plaque honoring King at the base of the Freedom Bell Tower should educate future generations about the source of inspiration for the bell. The bell itself should simply be called the Freedom Bell at Stone Mountain.
DAVE MURDOCK, SHARPSBURG
