The passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy has left many wondering what his legacy will be after having served in the United States for 47 years. Considered by many a champion of civil rights and health care reform, Senator Kennedy was also a longtime advocate of higher education and, as a result, was involved or behind some of the most significant legislation that continues to define higher education today.
This edition of Higher Ed Matters looks at some of the legislation championed by Senator Kennedy in the area of higher education:
Higher Education Opportunity Act
The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, which amended and extended the Higher Education Act of 1965 focused on: (1) expanding grant aid for the neediest students; (2) addressing the ethical scandals in the student loan marketplace; (3) simplifying the application process for Federal financial aid; and (4) holding colleges more accountable for their costs.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
One of the centerpieces of Title IX demanded equal funding for men’s and women’s athletics on college campuses. It required that funding for athletics be distributed according to the female-to-male ratio for each individual college. For example, if 55% of a school’s student population is female, 55% of athletics funding must be spent on women’s athletics.
National and Community Service Trust Act
In 1993, this Act created AmeriCorps and the Corporation for National and Community Service to help expand volunteerism and education grants for students who choose to volunteer after college.
Direct Lending to Students
As Chairman of the Education Committee in the 1990’s, Senator Kennedy fought for reforms that allowed students to borrow money for college directly from the Federal government instead of going through lenders who charged subsidies.
Even though he worked across the political aisle more capably than most, Senator Kennedy certainly had his share of detractors. After all, there is a reason why he was known as the “liberal lion of the Senate.”
In the end, each individual will make his/her own judgment based upon their own experience. From a local community standpoint, the following questions are worth asking: How has the Higher Education Opportunity Act benefited students at Long Beach State and Long Beach City College? What has been the impact of Title IX on athletics funding at Long Beach State and Long Beach City College? How many more graduates of our local schools have entered public service as a result of the National and Community Service Trust Act?
If you are a Long Beach State or Long Beach City College student or graduate, what is your assessment of Senator Kennedy’s legislative pursuits in the area of higher education? Do you think his efforts improved, enhanced and expanded your opportunities? Or, do you think his efforts were ineffectual, unnecessary and did a disservice to your college experience? It’s your turn to reflect on the legacy of a “lion”.