Letter: State students come first

I hear that the University of Washington and other state universities, supported by our taxes, are restricting enrollments of Washington state residents in favor of out-of-state and foreign students. I am a U. of W. alum, class of ’74, and I am appalled.

State colleges and universities are funded to educate our young people for the betterment of Washington state and not for the aggrandizement of the university presidents and boards of regents or for multiculturalism. Out-of-state students and then foreign students should be allowed to enroll only after academically qualified state residents have been given first consideration.

I for one could not care less about the education of foreign students – not in state-funded public universities. Reciprocity between states for nonresident students is a good thing, if there are vacancies after state residents have been served. It is difficult enough to get government to spend our taxes on Americans within Washington. Putting quality education out of reach of the middle and lower classes is a sure road to serfdom, and all Washingtonians should be outraged at this elitist policy. Contact your state legislator to put a stop to it.

James C. Lanham

Cheney