ASG passes resolution to make textbooks more affordable | North by Northwestern

"ASG passed its first Winter Quarter resolution Wednesday, backing the Franken Affordable College Textbook Act, which aims to promote schools moving away from expensive textbooks and towards free online open textbooks. The act has gained momentum across college campuses and has already been implemented at fellow Big Ten school University of Illinois. This call for change comes from the exorbitant costs college students face outside of tuition. Between 2002 and 2012, textbook prices have increased by 82 percent, with the average college student spending $1,207 on textbooks and supplies each year. VP for Community Relations Joji Syed, who led the resolution, cited data that claimed 7 out of 10 college students have not purchased textbooks due to cost. While the resolution was met mostly with support, it has potential harm to low-income students. For many low-income students, the stipend received for books each quarter can help cover other expenses. A university-wide switch to free textbook could benefit middle-income students but may lessen the stipend received by their peers ..."