10,343

1

that their intent is to insure that all publicly financed

2

schools, colleges and universities are equally accessible

9

to all residents regardless of their economic status.

4

Supporters of the equal opportunity clause say that it

5

will require the General Assembly to enact legislation

6

providing some form of financial assistance to persons who

7

are poor but academically capable. Not only will the

8

legislature have to provide means for poor students to ob-

9

tain undergraduate degrees, but the suggested constitutional

10

provision would also apply to postgraduate studies, its

11

supporters insist.

12

This is a further quote: If a child is deprived

13

and doesn't have the money, the State will have to insure

14

that he can continue his studies according to Delegate

15

Arthur W. Kirkland, Prince Georges County. This language

16

will take him all the way. Mr. Kirkland and Delegate Frank

17

J. Blair, Sixth District of Baltimore City, another backer

16

of equality language feel it will require the legislature

19

to provide outright grants for low cost long-term loans

20

applicable after graduation. They say the words of the

21

clause may compel some form of assistance to students