Evening star., 1957-03-06
college Group
Studies Federal
Scho|arshipPIarl

CHICAGO. Mar. 6 (P).-The
Association for Higher Educa-
ton, representing some 10000
college and university presidents
and faculty members, took up
today resolution proposing that
the Federal Government take
Ipart in a program of scholar
ships for able and needy college
students.
Little opposition to the reso-
luton was expected at the as
sociation's national conference.
but another proposal affecting
American parents pocketbooks
was considered likely to produce
some heated floor debate.
The controversial resolution
called on the association to re-
affirm its stand of previous years
in favor of a Federal income
tax credit for payment Of tut
tion and educational fees to
tax-exempt accredited colleges.
The credit. to be subtracted
from the final tax. would be
limited to 80 per cent of the
tax or a maximum of $3.50.
Benefits Disputed
Opponents Of the credit plan
contend it would not benefit the
approximately 40 per cent of
family heads whose income is
so low that they pay little or no
tax anyway. The proposal was
hotly contested in the Resolu-
tions Committee. which reported
last night, and some Resolu-
tions Committee members were
expected to carry their opposi-
ton to the floor.
The plan has been approved
repeatedly in past years by sew
eral important higher education
l groups, but some others besides
the AHE now are taking Sec
ond look at it. The Executive
Committee of the American As
sociation of Land Grant Colleges
and State Universities has voted
to recommend to its members
that they withdraw support for
it.
I The scholarship proposal is
similar to one proposed last fall
by the land-grant group and to
'Ione recommended by a subcom-
mittee Of the American Council
on Education. The council and
the Association of American Col
leges are now polling their men,
berS on the proposal in a joint
questionnaire. Returns are re-
ported to be running 70 per cent
in favor Of Federal scholarship
support.
AHE Conducting Poll
The recommendation Of the
AHE Resolutions Committee ap-
parently was on the strength of
returns from a poll which the
AHE itself is conducting. Re-
turns on the AHE poll are rum
ming over 80 per cent in favor.
All three proposals-land-
grant, council-AAC and AHE-
call for generally similar
standards.
All enyiSion that other sources
private and public, would con-
tinue to carry on scholarship ac-
tivity. Federal funds would bs
distributed by State agencies di.
rect to individual recipients. who
would have free choice of college
and course of study. Amount Of
aid would be pegged to need.
Other AHE resolutions included
proposals for:
!. A Federal program in sup
port Of university extension work
in general educational subjects
Extension work on "the agricul-
tural and mechanical arts"
Building Funds Asked
2. Federal participation in the
cost Of building and maintaining
buildings for ROTC use. At pres
ent the Government pays reserve
officer trainees, furnishes in
structors and provides equip
ment.
3. Federal income tax exemp-
tionS to teachers for expenses in
CURED in summer study and
other professional improvement
activities.
! 4. Continuation Of the Federal
Governments loans for college
dormitories. with speedier pro-
cessing Of loan applications.
S. More money for the United
States Office of Education and q
greater role for the Office in Fed