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I read with interest the statements from higher education leaders on Monday’s “State Universities Rethink Student Diversity” and wondered why Minnesota State University, the state’s largest higher education institution, was not included. . Minnesota enrolls 270,000 students annually, has an open enrollment policy, and is committed to the success of all students.
At most of the universities mentioned in the article, the number of students of color has decreased by a few percentage points or remained the same, but either way the change equates to a dozen or more students. Minnesota colleges and universities enroll 63,390 Black and Indigenous students and students of color, more than all other Minnesota institutions of higher education combined. Additionally, in Minnesota, preliminary data shows a 1% increase in fall enrollment among these traditionally underserved students, which , which means more than 6,000 more students receive a high-quality, affordable education thanks in part to Minnesota taxpayer dollars. Minnesota will ensure our increasingly diverse workforce is well-prepared, strengthening families and communities across Minnesota.
Dawn Erlandson, Tonka Bay
The author serves as vice chair of the Minnesota State University Board of Trustees.
I have to take issue with the October 4 letter writer’s condemnation of President Joe Biden’s actions in defending Israel from Iranian proxies determined to wipe it off the map. Biden has steadfastly supported him on the strategic and material fronts for Israel’s defense and remains hopeful of a diplomatic solution to what Israel’s enemies are playing as a zero-sum game. He did not hold back on this support even in the face of personal differences with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (which means that Israel must also avoid being destroyed).
What can we expect from the Trump administration, which has an “America First” policy that places isolationism at the center of its foreign policy? Now, after House Speaker Mike Johnson introduced and passed a non-binding symbolic resolution in support of Israel, he made a case for himself by laying out the funding request that Biden actually made to provide. You already gave us a hunch when you showed reluctance to put your money where your mouth is. (Not just a symbol) Supporting the defense of Israel for 7 months!
