Tripathi praises Cuomo’s higher education proposals

President Satish K. Tripathi released this statement today in support of the higher education proposals outlined yesterday by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo in his State of the State address:

“We applaud Gov. Cuomo’s steadfast commitment to higher education in New York State. As New York’s largest public institution and an internationally recognized research university, UB fully supports the governor’s proposal to provide increased accessibility, affordability and excellence in higher education.

“The governor clearly sees how higher education is critical to economic mobility and vital to New York’s economic success. Through the governor’s higher education policies, like the Excelsior Scholarship program, the governor is ensuring that the financial needs of current and future students do not create barriers to a quality education. Access to an excellent education will cultivate more economic opportunities for our students and further contribute to the state’s continued success.

“UB also strongly supports Gov. Cuomo’s call for passage of the New York State DREAM Act. Ours is a university, and a state, committed to diversity, equality and inclusivity. As such, we urge our state legislators to protect New York State’s 42,000 DACA enrollees. In calling for a fair and permanent solution for DACA participants, we share Gov. Cuomo’s belief that New York’s strength comes from the diversity of our residents and our openness to people who come here seeking to make a better life.”