Sexual predators confined to mental-health facilities in Florida are receiving federal grants to take college courses.
The taxpayer-funded tuition grants are allowed because the offenders are considered “residents,” not “inmates,” Fox News reports. A 1994 federal law prohibits “inmates” from getting financial aid.
In Florida, jurors are allowed to confine the worst sexual predators to mental-health facilities rather than prisons. As such, they are able to take advantage of their status as “residents” and qualify to receive Department of Education Pell Grants.
According to Fox, family members of victims are outraged over the loophole, but at least one convicted – and now released – sex offender says he is entitled to the money and thinks it’s a better investment for the state to have the cash go to his education rather than to his housing in an institution.
In the past year, 54 sexual predators residing in one mental-health facility have received about $200,000 to take college courses, Fox reports. When it returns to session next year, Congress is likely to consider amending the law prohibiting inmates from receiving educational funds.
Let’s curb the kangaroo court of anonymous sources
Tim Graham