Over the last few months we, as a college and country, have witnessed the devastating effects of COVID-19 on every aspect of our lives. For millions, the biggest impact of the virus has been the tremendous fiscal strain. Although cases had begun to fall, the resurgence of cases around the country has sustained the fiscal strain experienced by many during the earliest stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. 25% of New Yorkers have not been able to pay rent and experts warn of a looming eviction crisis as a result of record unemployment during this time.[1][2][3][4] Furthermore, polls indicate that over 50% of students cannot afford college tuition due to the pandemic and 7% have been forced to drop out of college.[5] With this in mind, it is ridiculous that Rhodes College would dramatically raise tuition for the 2020-2021 school year. This increase in tuition is hypocritical coming from an institution that prides itself in cultivating a supportive, tight-knit, community and a betrayal of the students that believe in this message. It is inhumane to raise tuition during this time of great uncertainty. It is especially unfair to low-income students who are more adversely affected by this increase in tuition. For context, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) act money received by Rhodes students is not enough to cover the additional charges. This increase in tuition is a disappointment to all the students that believe in the integrity of the Rhodes administration. 

In addition, the increase in tuition is ridiculous given the fact that Rhodes’ students will be paying more money for an incomplete academic and social experience. Rhodes students are already expected to pay full room and board for a shortened semester when we will be transitioning to remote learning in November due to the pandemic. It is audacious to expect us to pay more in tuition on top of that when Rhodes’ students will be unable to make full use of academic buildings, study areas, tutoring centers, computer labs, etc, especially when Rhodes will benefit from lower maintenance and utility use in these areas. Rhodes College will also save money from the decreased scale and frequency of student events and activities due to the pandemic. 

The Rhodes student community demands that the Rhodes College administration act with the excellence, honor, and integrity that it demands of us and freeze tuition by reverting it to what it was for the 2019-2020 academic school year. In addition, tuition should be further lowered for students that opt for a remote learning experience as they will not be able to take full advantage of the academic resources that Rhodes offers.

Relevant Links:

1. https://www.fox5ny.com/news/report-25-percent-of-new-york-city-tenants-are-not-paying-rent
2. https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/07/06/eviction-moratoriums-starwood/
3. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/27/us/coronavirus-evictions-renters.html
4. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-economy/weekly-jobless-claims-near-four-month-low-millions-drawing-unemployment-benefits-idUSKBN24A1V6
5. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/06/04/more-than-half-of-students-probably-cant-afford-college-due-to-covid-19.html