N.C. Governor’s school is an important investment

TO THE EDITOR:

As a 2006 Governor’s School alumnus, I couldn’t ignore Ms. Bale’s letter to the editor criticizing the past policy of free tuition (“North Carolina Governor’s School shouldn’t be free,” Sept. 9). Her ignorance on the subject is excusable, being from out of state with no knowledge of the school. Please allow me to enlighten you.

At its core is a commitment to diversity. The free tuition makes the program available to students from all socioeconomic levels, rural and urban. Students from myriad backgrounds engage each other in conversation and debate, both in and out of class. The variety of viewpoints expressed in these dialogues are essential for broadening the horizons of the students involved.

When the school charges tuition next summer, some of these valuable viewpoints will be silenced.

You say that making “those who have the ability to pay support those who cannot” is communism. Well, congratulations, you are currently attending a communist University.

What do you think state taxpayers do for in-state students right now? Their tax dollars support us, and we repay their investment to North Carolina upon graduation.

Governor’s School is a similar investment. Students return to their high schools with expanded knowledge, greater ability to articulate their thoughts and think critically, with open minds. These students will repay the investment that North Carolina made in them, and enhance the state’s reputation as a leader in research, business and education.

Does this philosophy sound familiar to you? It should, because it parallels that of Carolina.


Laura Hartley
Junior
Music Performance