Alex, a nonbinary student, began their journey to college this year. Their single parent, bearing the weight of $81,000 in student loan debt already from two degrees, grappled with affording Alex's education. Even with a more affordable option through the Western Undergraduate Exchange at $15,500 a year after financial aid, the burden was still too great. This struggle is indicative of the systemic problems in our education funding models, the knock-on effects of which can be deeply distressing.

The United States has nearly $1.7 trillion in student debt, an average of $37,584 per student borrower, scrapping millions of dreams, deterring younger generations from going to college, and hamstringing our economy. Equal opportunity is still a distant dream, exacerbated by the high costs of higher education that disproportionately affects marginalized communities.

Alex's story is not unique. It's a reality for millions of families across the country. It sparks a plea for change. As Americans, we should take a cue from countries like Germany, Norway, and Finland that have successfully implemented models providing free college tuition to all their citizens.

We call for our elected officials in Tennessee and in Washington to reform the existing education models, legislate policies for free college tuition, and create equitable education opportunities for all. This should not be a privilege but a right.

We have a responsibility towards future generations. Let us invest in them. Sign this petition to make the call for free college tuition louder and reach the desks of our elected officials.