University of California to waive tuition for Native students – but not for all

Native students who aren't a member of a federally recognized tribe are dismayed that they are left out of the free tuition program

Last week the University of California announced that the higher education system would waive tuition and student services fees for California residents who are members of federally recognized tribes.

The announcement elated some Native people in California, who viewed it as a potentially life changing initiative. But it garnered harsh criticism from many others who are members of nations that aren't federally recognized and are deeply disappointed that an institution that stresses acknowledging historical wrongs suffered by Indigenous people can in the same breath leave so many out of such an important resource.