EDUCATION: Will money solve problems or make more at Va. Tech?

After the April 16 shootings at Virginia Tech, a memorial fund was created to help victims and the families of those killed. According to the Washington Post, it was created from an outpouring of 20,000 donations from across the country, ranging from $5 to as much as $1 million. All in all, $7.5 million was collected and is scheduled to be distributed within weeks.

In order to receive a portion of the fund, families or victims must have applied by September 15 and, according to the Post, all 78 of the eligible parties applied. Families of those killed will receive about $180,000 each and those injured will receive either $45,000 or $90,000 depending on how long they were in the hospital. They will also receive free tuition at Virginia Tech. Since the money is from private funders instead of the state, accepting money from the fund does not bar families from suing the university- an action many plan to take. A spokesman for many of the victim's families said "they feel that only through legal action will the truth unfold and accountability fall into place."

One controversy arising, however, is whether or not money from the fund will be taxable. In the Washington Post article, the fund administrator is quoted as saying: "Virginia Tech thinks the money is taxable. Other individual family members have consulted with their tax attorneys, and they say it isn't." I believe this comment reflects extremely negatively on Virginia Tech because it makes them seem as if they want the money to be taxed so they can at least get some of it from the state. Unfortunately, this article also reflects negatively on the families. Apparently the families were angry because originally the money was going to be used to fund scholarships for students, but they insisted they get it personally.

I just think it's sad that after such a terrible event, people are fighting over money. It surely won't reflect well on the university that so many families are suing, but it also makes you wonder what these families are really after. It will be interesting to see how the university handles any bad press.


-Lisa Rassenti