From Fox News:
Some of the worst sexual predators in Florida are taking college courses and U.S. taxpayers are picking up the tab.Federal law enacted in 1994 prevents state and federal prison inmates from getting financial aid. But Florida law, enacted not long afterward in response to a gruesome child rape and murder, allowed jurors to confine the worst predators in mental health facilities.
Offenders housed in these centers are not called "inmates" but "residents." According to the letter of the law, that means they qualify for Pell Grants dispersed by the Department of Education.
Most people would look at this story and ask, "What's wrong with criminals trying to better themselves through education?" The majority of the time, I'd agree. Education is absolutely the best way to prevent people from committing crimes. In this instance, however, I feel a little differently.
A college education has become extremely necessary to anyone looking for a job that doesn't consist of menial labor. You just have to have it, in most instances. Personally I think job experience is more important than a degree, but the job market thinks very highly of a college diploma.
In light of that, I don't think its fair to award Pell Grants to sex offenders. There are literally thousands of good kids, who haven't committed any crimes, who are going to be denied funding to go to college. I wish that most of these kids didn't have to depend on grants to go to college but that's just how it is. I digress.
While I'd hate to deny an education to somebody who truly wanted one, I'd rather see honest, hard working kids take priority over people who have committed crimes.
Posted by at December 18, 2003 09:43 AM
