WHEREAS, in the 19th and early 20th centuries the Labor Movement led the fight for universal access to primary and secondary education as a basic social right; and,

WHEREAS, in the 1950's and 1960's the Civil Rights movement established the right of all Americans to equal access to public education; and,

WHEREAS, in the 21st century a college education is a prerequisite for effective labor force participation and economic security for workers and their families; and,

WHEREAS, the lack of access by growing numbers of Americans to post-secondary education severely limits democratic participation in the economic and political processes of the United States and results in a tragic loss of diverse human potential; and,

WHEREAS, a recent study by the Lumina Foundation for Education has found that low and middle income students are unable to afford the full cost of public college in nearly every state in the union; and,

WHEREAS, studies have shown that the GI Bill was one of the most successful programs in our nation's history and that every $1.00 invested in this program on those who would not have otherwise attended college produced a $6.90 return in increased national output and tax revenues; and,

WHEREAS, the Debs-Jones-Douglass Institute, the educational and cultural arm of the Labor Party, has embarked upon a national campaign to achieve free tuition and fees for anyone meeting the admissions criteria at any public, post-secondary educational institution; and,

WHEREAS, this campaign has been endorsed by a broad and diverse cross section of academics, labor unions, civil rights organizations, community groups and professional associations;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the __________________________ supports the Debs-Jones-Douglass Institute's campaign for the right of all Americans to access to a free public higher education; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the ___________________________ will assist in mobilizing broad public support for this right through petitions, letters, conferences, rallies and any other necessary support and assistance.

Dated:_______________

Signature:_________________________

Title:______________________________