The Future of Education in Miami

Editorial

(Javier Trueba/Unsplash)

June 17, 2026

MIAMI - In Miami Dade College’s 2026 commencement ceremony, the cheers reverberated across the stadium. Wide screens showed the different countries that represented its student body—from the Caribbean to Central America, from Central America to South America, and so forth. Many students struggled with their accents, worked full-time jobs while balancing education, and despite all these obstacles, they still walked across the stage with their cap and gown, with their dreams clutched tight to their chests.

Despite their resilience, their perseverance, and hope for the future of education, a new barrier is emerging. In the month of May 2026, the Florida Department of Education proposed an amendment to Rule 6A-10.0240. This policy will require the State Board of Education to verify that all admitted students are citizens or lawfully present in the United States. If this rule is approved, thousands of students will be limited from pursuing a higher education at a public institution.

In a city like Miami, where accents from all parts of the world fill the streets, what kind of barriers would this new policy present to their communities?

As an active advocate for the immigrant community and a volunteer with organizations like the Florida Immigration Coalition (FLIC), Board Member Alexandra Calzadilla has firsthand witnessed the legal hardships individuals face.

“Without the resources to be able to afford an attorney or any type of legal aid, it can be very difficult for an individual with immigration status to be able to live freely. Having to go through the immigration process also takes a mental toll on individuals because of the significant amount of time it takes to receive a response, ultimately affecting job opportunities and, now, education,” Calzadilla said.

In June 2026, the State Board of Education will vote on whether this proposal will move forward or not. For students who believe this should not become someone’s reality, it is not tomorrow, or the day after, when someone should take action. It is now. Students should contact their state representatives and attend public hearings with the City of Miami commissioners, using their voice to make a difference. Before another student is turned away, before another ambition is deferred, before another opportunity is denied, members of the community must speak out and make their voices heard. The future of higher education should not be determined by where someone was born, but by how hard they worked, how far they persevered, and how boldly they dreamed. The time to act is now.