[I wrote this and sent it out as a press release, so this is both hyperlocal news and written by me! The Olympian wrote a story about it, posted here]

Olympia, WA- Over 4 million Iraqis have been displaced both within Iraq and externally since the U.S. invasion in March 2003, yet only 1,608 Iraqis were admitted by the United States for resettlement of any type during in 2007. Displaced Iraqis living in Jordan or Syria cannot attend universities or obtain work, and the Chronicle of Higher Education has reported that the university system inside Iraq is near collapse.

In response to this educational and humanitarian crisis, the Iraqi Student Solidarity Committee (ISSC) at the Evergreen State College has asked the college whether there are tuition waivers that could assist students displaced by the war in Iraq to complete their undergraduate careers. Evergreen has replied that there are waivers available for displaced students and that a student designated by the group would have access to that waiver program in Fall 2008. Pre-screened students will be recommended by the national ISP program and then go through the standard Evergreen admissions process. "It is long past the time for all colleges and educational institutions, public and private, to open their doors to students around the world whose educations have been disrupted by these crises. I commend the administration of Evergreen for their assistance on this project,” said student Andrea Robbins.

The ISSC is currently fundraising in order to meet eligibility requirements for a tuition waiver. One of the criteria is that a support network is in place and funding available to cover all non-tuition expenses. A silent auction is planned for Friday, May 2nd at 7pm, at the K Records building, 802 Jefferson St. SE.. Please contact Andrea Robbins at roband10@evergreen.edu to donate items, and definitely mark your calendar for the fundraiser! Prior to the May 2nd event, tax-deductible donations can be sent to the Rachel Corrie Foundation at 203 E. 4th Ave, Suite 307, Olympia, WA 98501. Please specify the "Iraqi Student Scholarship" in the check memo line. More information about the national effort can be found at www.iraqistudentproject.org.