Inequity in Higher Ed: Questions about Performance-Based funding

Anthony P. Carnevale and Jeff Strohl of Georgetown have published, "Separate and Unequal: How Higher Education Reinforces the Intergenerational Reproduction of White Racial Privilege," clearly outlining the increasingly stratified system of higher education in the U.S. It's an exceptionally good read.

Read "Separate and Unequal"

At present, increasing numbers of states are moving quickly toward adopting performance-based funding for community colleges while significant questions remain about the impact of such funding models. Is it possible that such funding models could adversely impact the neediest students? Is it conceivable that colleges may begin to change their focus, or their mission even,  in order to maintain funding levels? Could "open entry" institutions begin to limit access?

How much more separate and unequal could our system of higher education become?

This is a propitious moment for advocacy and leadership at both the state and national level. It is a chance to reaffirm and reclaim the quintessential role of the community college in promoting social equity and the fundamental purpose of the community college in a vibrant democracy.