We, the undersigned, call on our Mississippi Legislature to immediately stop the progression of House Bill 1284. We will not stand by while this legislation moves forward without the input of the educators, students, and communities it directly impacts. Community colleges are often the only pathway to higher education, work force development, and economic mobility for countless Mississippians- especially those from rural and underserved areas. Decisions of this magnitude threaten the stability and accessibilty of community colleges across our state. We urge lawmakers to make a stand for each of our community colleges and to not cripple the local economies which these community colleges drive. We urge lawmakers to not uproot decades of dedication to our communities and traditions of excellence. We urge lawmakers to reject House Bill 1284.