North Carolina residents have been in an uproar ever since its then state counsel, David Sullivan, issued an edict stipulating that all 58 of the state’s community colleges allow illegal aliens to be admitted to these schools. Following his advice, NC Governor Mike Easley backed his plan, noting that it wasn’t conflicting with federal law.

Residents of the Tarheel state thought otherwise and made known their disapproval. Last week, the state reversed course with the State Attorney General, Roy Cooper, recommending that undocumented students be prohibited from attending schools within the community college system until federal clarification is obtained.

“We have accepted the Attorney General’s offer to seek federal clarification of this issue, and they are pursing that information,” Scott Ralls, president of the community college system, said in a news release. “Until we receive further clarification, we will no longer admit individuals classified as illegal or undocumented immigrants into curriculum degree programs.”

Out of the nearly 300,000 registered students currently in the community college system only 112 do not have proper documentation. They will be allowed to finish their programs and high school students currently enrolled in community college classes will be allowed to finish their studies as well.

The state’s university system is still considering allowing illegal aliens to attend school and at in-state tuition rates.

(Source: Triangle Business Journal)

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Tags: community colleges, illegal aliens, North Carolina, undocumented workers

The NCAA Men’s Division 1 Basketball Tournament has been narrowed down once again, to the final group of teams who will now meet next weekend in San Antonio for the national championship. The Road to the Final Four is set, marking the first time in the tournament’s history that all four #1 seeds made it this far.

Although today is April Fool’s Day there isn’t anything tricky (or foolish) about this weekend’s three games. Let’s take a look at the last four teams standing and what the pairings will bring to the court.

North Carolina — The prohibitive favorite, the Tarheels coasted to victories in their first three games before being challenged by the Louisville Cardinals. Once the Heels snapped a 59-all tie by running off 7 consecutive points, UNC took control of the game and eventually won by 10 points. Juniors Tyler Hansbrough, Wayne Ellington and Ty Lawson have carried UNC thus far, but with the Jayhawks up next, the Heels will need their best game yet in order to advance to the championship game.

Kansas — The Jayhawks had the dubious distinction of having to meet the Davidson Wildcats for their regional championship, a team with destiny written on their backs. Led by guard Stephen Curry’s 25 points, it took a missed last second shot to send the Jayhawks to San Antonio. Brandon Rush and Darrell Arthur loom large for Kansas, but do they have what it takes to knock off UNC?

Prediction: North Carolina 82, Kansas 74

Memphis — John Calipari is one of the best coaches in the business, but his Tigers have swooned in their last two Elite Eight appearances. This year, Memphis looks very strong despite not being able to put away Mississippi State in the second round. In the ensuing two rounds, Memphis dominated two very good teams, Michigan State and Texas, to reach the Final Four. Chris Douglas-Roberts and Derrick Rose have what it takes to carry Memphis to the championship game, perhaps to the national title.

UCLA — Rich in basketball history (football, too) the Bruins are coming off back-to-back Final Four appearances where they just weren’t able to get it done. If “three is a charm” then this is the year when the Bruins will be crowned. An opening round yawner against Mississippi Valley State almost cost them against Texas A&M in the second round, but their domination of Xavier in the regional championship underscored that the Bruins are strong. Expect UCLA to need season-best performances from Kevin Love and Darren Collison if they are to beat Memphis

Prediction: Memphis 87, UCLA 78

Championship — A UNC match up would pit the two top teams in the country against each other for a game that should go down to the wire. A clear toss up, but I’ll be rooting for the Tarheels who should win it all, 84-82.

If you have a better idea how this tournament will unfold, feel free to hit the reply button and leave your comments too. Enjoy the games!

Tags: Final Four, Louisville, NCAA Men's Basketball, North Carolina, UCLA