In a recent government meeting, community members expressed strong opposition to the proposed establishment of the Arizona College of Nursing in Milwaukee, citing concerns over the institution's predatory practices and its potential negative impact on local residents. Dr. Quinton Cotton, representing the Milwaukee Black Grassroots Network for Health Equity, emphasized the need for zoning decisions to prioritize public welfare over corporate interests, warning that the college's presence could harm the community.
Edna Hudson Kinsey, president of the Milwaukee Chapter of the National Black Nurses Association, shared her extensive experience in nursing education and highlighted the detrimental effects of for-profit colleges on marginalized communities. She urged the committee to reject the college's proposal, arguing that it would perpetuate financial burdens on students who are already struggling.
Alderman Moore also voiced concerns about the predatory nature of for-profit educational institutions, stressing the importance of protecting vulnerable populations from financial ruin. He acknowledged the historical targeting of marginalized communities by such institutions and called for a proactive approach to safeguard residents' interests.
The committee's discussions centered on zoning laws and the narrow criteria for considering the college's proposal. While community members passionately argued against the college, the committee noted that their role was limited to evaluating the zoning request rather than the institution's educational practices.
As the meeting progressed, the committee moved to enter a closed session to confer with the city attorney regarding potential litigation, indicating that the discussions surrounding the Arizona College of Nursing are far from over. The community remains vigilant in its efforts to protect local interests against what they perceive as predatory educational practices.