Scholarship rules up to lawmakers

Monday, Aug. 18, 2003 | 9:08 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Relying on the advice of their attorney, the Board of Regents last week declined to change the policy that allows undocumented aliens to qualify for Millennium Scholarships.

Thomas Ray, general counsel to the system, said there is no requirement for citizenship under the law.

He said it would be up to the Legislature -- not the regents -- to make such a change.

The requirements for the scholarship are being a Nevada resident, graduating from a Nevada high school and having a 3.0 grade-point average.

The state attorney general's office issued a legal opinion that state Treasurer Brian Krolicki, who administers the finances in the program, does not have to determine whether a qualifying student is a citizen. The office said that was up to the university regents.

The Legislature passed a law requiring that students who gain a scholarship must maintain a 2.6 grade-point average to retain it, rather than the 2.0 in the past. High school students graduating in 2005 and 2006 will be required to have a 3.1 grade-point average, instead of the present 3.0. And those graduating in 2007 and later must have a 3.25 grade-point average in high school.

M. Laura Mijanovich of the American Civil Liberties Union told the regents her organization is concerned about the impact that the higher standards could have on minority groups.