We are deeply disappointed with the University of Connecticut's decision to pause the Connecticut Commitment initiative. The CT commitment reflected UConn’s dedication to making an exceptional education accessible and affordable to low-income students from around the state. Amidst an economic crisis resulting from the global pandemic, now is more important a time than ever to hold fast on our commitments to support students from lower-income families. To pause this commitment will hinder the University’s efforts to support diversity and inclusion across campuses, and will deepen inequities already present in CT higher education.

While we recognize that the university, along with workplaces and institutions all over the state and country, face major budget deficits stemming from the pandemic, programs that benefit disadvantaged students should not be cut in attempts to reduce these deficits.

We urge you to immediately initiate the fundraising and budgetary evaluations needed to continue the Connecticut Commitment in the 2021-2022 academic year. The University must ensure this program remains a commitment to the state’s residents that is maintained in good years just as much as in difficult years.