The Associated Students of Madison will push for in-state tuition for undocumented students and increasing gender-inclusive private spaces in two new campaigns this year, said Tyler Rashand, the new Inclusion Ambassador, on the group’s radio show.
Rashand said one of ASM’s goals is to adopt UW-Milwaukee’s tuition model in which undocumented students pay in-state tuition, a measure that UW-Madison does not currently have.
“It’s very much in the preliminary stages of us trying to figure it out, but that is definitely a goal we are hoping to achieve,” Rashand said.
Shorter term goals for assisting undocumented students include more scholarship opportunities and gaining more access to FAFSA, Rashand said.
In addition, Rashand said ASM is working on creating gender-inclusive locker rooms and bathrooms in every building on campus, and ultimately on every floor.
“We are gathering up our allies and looking to start talking to students, faculty and TAs who have a stake or are affected directly by not having a restroom to go to while they’re out of their homes,” Rashand said.
Rashand said his experience with jobs in athletics and housing will help them in the new role.
“I saw this position as a culmination of all the experiences to try and use it to help people and make a difference in my last year and go out with a bang,” Rashand said.
“The State of the University” airs Tuesday mornings at 8 a.m. on WSUM.
