Friday, October 3, 2025
All undocumented students barred from in-state tuition rate Raynee Howell
CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Stillwater Animal Welfare employee Tarin Clinage walks Lois on a leash outside the shelter.
Payton Little, The O’Colly
Protect their paws
A federal court ruling leaves more than 40 students at Oklahoma State without the ability to pay an in-state tuition rate. Federal District Court Judge Ronald White of the U.S. District Court of Eastern Oklahoma ruled a state law unconstitutional Aug. 29 as the result of a lawsuit the U.S. Department of Justice filed against the state of Oklahoma on Aug. 5. Students who were undocumented could receive in-state tuition at state colleges and universities under the state law that offered the rate to anyone who graduated from an Oklahoma public or private high school and resided in the state for at least two years before graduation. The judge’s order banned the state from enforcing the statute as it applies to undocumented students. The Oklahoma State Regents of Higher Education followed suit. It voted to revoke a policy that allowed undocumented immigrant students, who meet certain criteria, to attend college without valid documentation of U.S. nationality or an immigration status permitting study at a state college. The policy change was effective immediately to comply with the court order. Per the most recent data, Angela Caddell, associate vice chancellor for communications at OSRHE, confirmed to The O’Colly that around 400 students are affected statewide with a total of 43 students at OSU. Attorney General Gentner Drummond filed a motion and released a statement in support of the lawsuit, which also described the state law as providing eligibility to “illegal” immigrants over U.S. citizens from other states.
See TUITION on page 6A
Stillwater Animal Welfare educates residents on pet healthcare B Y AV E RY M I L L E R
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f no animals received vaccines or general health care, serious consequences would likely occur, affecting not only animal health, but the health of humans. To ensure animals are receiving the proper care and treatment ensures a more
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S TA F F R E P O R T E R
stable economy, food security and the health of people around the world. What if a simple shot could save your pet’s life and keep the world around you safe, too? Anthony Morales, Stillwater Animal Welfare kennel technician, promotes the
shelter’s mission to educate pet owners in Stillwater of the potential for animal disease. “Even well-behaved animals can not avoid diseases they can not see,” Morales said. “It is important for us to ensure they stay protected and safe from these threats.”
See WELFARE on page 5A
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
The U.S. Department of Justice sued the state of Oklahoma Aug. 5 over a state law on tuition at public colleges.
Old Power Plant to become green space Marcus Mesis
STAFF REPORTER
Construction is no strange sight to see on campus. The most recent project: the demolition of the power plant located on Hall of Fame Avenue. It has been nonoperational since 2018, which was 17 years longer than its expected lifespan. Oklahoma State replaced the power plant with a new one on Washington Street in 2018. This was OSU’s first new power plant since 1945 when the deconstructed plant was built, replacing one built in 1912. The plant that was built in 1912 was replaced by the Classroom Building. Demolition of the plant was planned to be completed before the end of the summer, but has continued weeks into the school year. The university has released plans for what will happen with the land from the power plant for the interim. There are also goals and plans that are made for the land but those plans are not Lennon Arrington, The O’Colly official. The Power Plant in front of Boone Pickens Stadium was demolished to make space for a temporary green space. See POWER on page 6A
WHAT’S INSIDE 3A
‘This is not democracy’: Student criticizes SGA’s role at OSU
3A
OSU student charged in child sex crimes
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Meacham’s crossword