Equitable and Quality Education for Everyone: Passing the New Deal for CUNY

The New Deal for CUNY would provide students across New York City with the ability to receive an equitable, quality, and improved education, granting them proper counseling and resources, as well as free tuition.

CUNY runs strong in my family, with my mother and sister both being alumni of the College of Staten Island and Hunter, respectively. I decided to transfer to Hunter due to its affordable tuition and quality education. However, it has been difficult to access the proper resources at the school concerning advising and academic support. The student-to-advisor ratio at the institution makes it extremely hard for students to ensure that their academic needs are being met. I know of multiple students who have experienced issues with advising, thereby impacting their ability to secure the proper classes they need to fulfill their degree requirements or in some cases, graduate on time.

CUNY is home to thousands of students who deserve an opportunity for quality education, and lawmakers and legislative officials must ensure that the needs and requests of their constituents are being met. The fact that a few decades ago, CUNY used to be free until the population of enrolled students included higher numbers of students of color reflects the discrimination and biases of our state’s political system and government. Throughout the years, enrollment at varying CUNY institutions has increased, but the quality and accessibility of its resources have not followed suit.

As a woman of color, I believe the right to a fair and quality education should be accessible to all. When a majority of the enrolled student population across CUNY campuses were White and male, it was not an issue providing such an education to this demographic. As soon as the population became diversified, however, that is when tuition was implemented (and continues to increase), the quality of student advisement declined, and mental health resources became subpar.

My family and I owe our education to CUNY, and I am very grateful for all that it has provided us. I am who I am partially because of Hunter, and others should be able to feel/say the same. However, it is difficult when multiple barriers are set in place, therefore making it increasingly difficult to access an equitable education, especially in New York City.

I am hopeful for the future and feel that with continued advocacy and support, we can make CUNY not only free but better all around again. Everyone, regardless of their identity or background, deserves a right to an accessible education, and they should be able to receive that at CUNY.

Isabellah is a student with experience in women’s rights, civil rights, and public policy who is passionate about advocating for women, children, and underrepresented groups facing legal persecution. She is currently studying at CUNY Hunter, pursuing majors in Political Science & Government and Women & Gender/Sexuality Studies.