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67-523: APUS has approximately 110,000 alumni worldwide as of March 31, 2021. About 56% of APUS students reported that they served in the military on active duty at initial enrollment. About 55,000 military service members get tuition assistance for APUS schools. Another 16,702 use their GI Bill benefits for the schools. The university was founded in 1991 by Major James P. Etter (USMC, retired) as American Military University . Operations began in January 1993 with

134-508: A "servicemember" must have a memorandum service-connected disability rating of 20% or greater and apply for vocational rehabilitation services. Those qualifying as "veterans" must have received, or eventually receive, an honorable or other-than-dishonorable discharge, have a VA service-connected disability rating of 10% or more, and apply for services. Law provides for a 12-year basic period of eligibility in which services may be used, which begins on latter of separation from active military duty or

201-525: A Service Member under more than one education benefit. If a service member applies for Montgomery GI Bill benefits (such as the Top-up option to augment Tuition Assistance) and entered service on/after August 1, 2011, then they must incur a subsequent period of service to convert to the Post 9/11 GI Bill. If the service member cannot incur another period of service, they are not eligible to convert. The VA considers

268-460: A disability or because he/she was held by a foreign government or power. The 10-year period can also be extended if one reenters active duty for 90 days or more after becoming eligible. The extension ends 10 years from the date of separation from the later period. Periods of active duty of fewer than 90 days qualify for extensions only if one was separated for one of the following: For those eligible based on two years of active duty and four years in

335-483: A lack of resources. By 1946, only one fifth of the 100,000 black people who had applied for educational benefits had been registered in college. Furthermore, historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) came under increased pressure as rising enrollments and strained resources forced them to turn away an estimated 20,000 veterans. HBCUs were already the poorest colleges. HBCU resources were stretched even thinner when veterans' demands necessitated an expansion in

402-878: A new foundation for the 21st century. August 3, 2009. In December 2010 Congress passed the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2010. The new law, often referred to as G.I. Bill 2.0, expands eligibility for members of the National Guard to include time served on Title 32 or in the full-time Active Guard and Reserve (AGR). It does not, however, cover members of the Coast Guard Reserve who have served under Title 14 orders performing duties comparable to those performed by National Guard personnel under Title 32 orders. The new law also includes: enrollment periods. In this case if

469-485: A pipeline' for leaders". From 2013 to 2017, APUS' enrollment declined from 127,000 to 84,000 students. In 2018, APUS paid the state of Massachusetts $ 270,000 after an investigation by the state's attorney general into allegations that it violated the state's for-profit and occupational school regulations, which are aimed at protecting students from the deceptive and unfair business practices by for-profit schools. In July 2020, Wade Dyke, former president of Kaplan University

536-684: A proportionately longer period. This meant that for every month the veteran received benefits at the half-time, the veteran's benefits were only charged for 1/2 of a month. Veterans from the reserve had different eligibility requirements and different rules on receiving benefits (see Ch. 1606, Ch. 1607 and Ch. 33). MGIB could also be used while active, which only reimbursed the cost of tuition and fees. Each service has additional educational benefit programs for active duty members. Most delay using MGIB benefits until after separation, discharge or retirement. The "Buy-Up" option, allows active duty members to forfeit up to $ 600 more toward their MGIB. For every dollar

603-469: A result of an investigation by the Massachusetts state attorney general into deceptive and predatory recruiting practices. The investigation ended in a settlement in which APUS paid $ 270,000 to the state to provide relief to eligible AMU students, and has agreed to change its disclosures to prospective students, and the designation was removed. From January 6, 1995, to April 30, 2012, the institution

670-519: A service member has elected a GI Bill upon submission of VA Form 22–1990.and VA approval and issues a Certificate of Eligibility. Under this bill, benefits may be used to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree at a college or university, a cooperative training program, or an accredited independent study program leading to a degree. "Chapter 31" is a vocational rehabilitation program that serves eligible active duty servicemembers and veterans with service-connected disabilities. This program promotes

737-569: A service-connected disability, hardship, or certain medical conditions. Entitles such individuals to 36 months of educational assistance. Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Florida) got the house to pass easier access to the GI Bill by "verifying honorable service as a coast-wise merchant seaman between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946, for purposes of eligibility for veterans' benefits under the GI Bill Improvement Act of 1977." It passed

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804-686: A significant impact in December - January BAH payments since most Colleges have 2-4 week breaks. Distance Education Accrediting Commission The Distance Education Accrediting Commission ( DEAC ), formerly the National Home Study Council and then as the Distance Education and Training Council , is a private and non-profit national educational accreditation agency in the United States specializing in

871-576: A significant role in the contours of the bill. At first, Roosevelt shared with nearly everyone the idea that "satisfactory employment," not educational opportunity, was the key feature of the bill. This changed in the fall of 1944, when Roosevelt's special representative to the European Theatre, Anna M. Rosenberg , returned with her report on the G.I.'s postwar expectations. From her hundreds of interviews with servicemen then fighting in France, it

938-491: A written exam would get four years of paid college. The American Legion proposal provided full benefits for all veterans, including women and minorities, regardless of their wealth. An important provision of the G.I. Bill was low interest, zero down payment home loans for servicemen, with more favorable terms for new construction compared to existing housing. This encouraged millions of American families to move out of urban apartments and into suburban homes. Another provision

1005-530: A year stipend for books, among other benefits. The VA announced in September 2008 that it would manage the new benefit itself instead of hiring an outside contractor after protests by veteran's organizations and the American Federation of Government Employees . Veterans Affairs Secretary James B. Peake stated that although it was "unfortunate that we will not have the technical expertise from

1072-842: Is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education . APUS' Master of Public Health program was accredited in July 2017 — retroactive to 22 July 2015 — by the Council on Education for Public Health . Select APUS programs are also affiliated with and/or recognized by such professional organizations as: APUS is an open enrollment institution. The system employs approximately 410 full-time faculty members and 1,800 part-time faculty members. Full-time professors are salaried employees without tenure. APUS offers 200 degree and certificate programs across six academic schools through American Military University and American Public University, including

1139-647: Is available for those who first entered active duty between January 1, 1977, and June 30, 1985, and elected to make contributions from their military pay to participate in this education benefit program. Participants' contributions are matched on a $ 2 for $ 1 basis by the Government with a maximum allowable participant contribution of $ 2,700. (Maximum possible government contribution: $ 5,400. Maximum possible benefit: $ 8,100.) This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Congress, in

1206-427: Is not to be confused with a "kicker". A kicker is an additional payment as well, however it is a contractual incentive for specific jobs, and not an optional offering soldiers can pay into. MGIB benefits may be used up to 10 years from the date of last discharge or release from active duty. The 10-year period can be extended by the amount of time a service member was prevented from training during that period because of

1273-474: Is separately incorporated and accredited. GI Bill The G.I. Bill , formally the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 , was a law that provided a range of benefits for some of the returning World War II veterans (commonly referred to as G.I.s ). The original G.I. Bill expired in 1956, but the term "G.I. Bill" is still used to refer to programs created to assist American military veterans. It

1340-694: The Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). In January of the following year, the school introduced its first undergraduate programs. The first online courses and online classrooms started in 1998. In 1999, all undergraduate classes and programs went fully online, with graduate programs shifting to online in 2000. In 2002 AMU expanded to become American Public University System and established American Public University, intended primarily for civilians interested in public service programs. In 2006 APUS

1407-680: The College Scorecard , American Public University has an 8-year graduation rate of 22 percent, with a salary after completing ranging from $ 15,650 (AA in Human Development) to $ 76,460 (Bachelors in Fire Protection). Of those two years into student loan repayment, 27% were in forbearance, 21% were not making progress, 19% defaulted, 13% were in deferment, 8% were making progress, 6% were delinquent, 3% were paid in full, and 3% were discharged. Each institution listed here

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1474-580: The Merchant Marine Act of 1936 . As President Roosevelt (Democrat) signed the G.I. Bill in June 1944 he said, "I trust Congress will soon provide similar opportunities to members of the merchant marine who have risked their lives time and time again during war for the welfare of their country." Now that the youngest World War II veterans are in their 90s, efforts have been made to recognize the merchant mariners' contributions by giving some benefits to

1541-494: The Salem, Illinois American Legion have also been credited with recording their ideas for veteran benefits on napkins and paper. The group included Omar J. McMackin, Earl W. Merrit, Dr. Leonard W. Esper, George H. Bauer, William R. McCauley, James P. Ringley, A.L. Starshak and Illinois Governor, John Stelle who attended the signing ceremony with President Roosevelt. U.S. Senator Ernest McFarland , (D) AZ, and National Commander of

1608-460: The 1920s and 1930s. Benefits included low-cost mortgages, low-interest loans to start a business or farm, one year of unemployment compensation , and dedicated payments of tuition and living expenses to attend high school, college, or vocational school . These benefits were available to all veterans who had been on active duty during the war years for at least 90 days and had not been dishonorably discharged . By 1956, 7.8 million veterans had used

1675-589: The 6-year graduation rate is 29%. American Military University participated in the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges program before it was disbanded in 2019, with eligible bachelor's degrees in Homeland Security, Intelligence Studies, Emergency and Disaster Management (Coast Guard only), Criminal Justice, Management, and Business Administration. AMU is also a Navy College Program Distance Learning Partner. According to

1742-558: The American Legion Warren Atherton , (R) CA were actively involved in the bill's passage. Edith Nourse Rogers , (R) MA, who helped write and who co-sponsored the legislation, might be termed as the "mother of the G.I. Bill". As with Colmery, her contribution to writing and passing this legislation has been obscured by time. The bill that President Roosevelt initially proposed had a means test—only poor veterans would get one year of funding; only top-scorers on

1809-668: The American Veterans Committee at the time, Charles G. Bolte, wrote that federal agencies were consistently discriminating "as though the legislation were earmarked 'For White Veterans Only'". According to historian Ira Katznelson, "the law was deliberately designed to accommodate Jim Crow ". In the New York and northern New Jersey suburbs 67,000 mortgages were insured by the G.I. Bill, but fewer than 100 were taken out by non-whites. Additionally, some banks and mortgage agencies refused loans to black people. After

1876-508: The G.I. Bill education benefits, some 2.2 million to attend colleges or universities and an additional 5.6 million for some kind of training program. Historians and economists judge the G.I. Bill a major political and economic success—especially in contrast to the treatments of World War I veterans—and a major contribution to U.S. stock of human capital that encouraged long-term economic growth . It has been criticized for various reasons including increasing racial wealth disparities during

1943-589: The GI Bill Comparison Tool, the largest recipients of GI Bill Funds are Lead generators like QuinStreet have also acted as third parties to recruit veterans for subprime colleges. The bill specified that any veteran requiring a prosthetic limb would be entitled to one and the training required to utilize it, as well as limited funding for custom automobiles and home renovations. Author Bess Williamson highlighted that there were extensive obstacles to veterans receiving prosthetic limbs following

2010-499: The House and went no further. After the GI Bill was instituted in the 1940s, a number of "fly-by-night" vocational schools were created. Some of these for-profit colleges still target veterans, who are excluded from the 90-10 rule for federal funding. This loophole encourages for-profit colleges to target and aggressively recruit veterans and their families. Legislative efforts to close the 90-10 loophole have failed. According to

2077-539: The MilTA CAP. This will reduce the total benefit available once the member leaves service. Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010 (Public Law 111–377, January 4, 2011), Section 111, amended Title 38, U.S. Code, by adding section 3322(h), "Bar to Duplication of Eligibility Based on a Single Event or Period of Service," which does not allow the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish eligibility for

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2144-822: The NHSC was formally recognized by the U.S. Office of Education as an accreditor of higher education institutions. Currently the DEAC is recognized by Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the United States Department of Education as an accreditor of institutions of higher education . According to the DEAC, it is made up of over 100 distance education institutions located in 21 states and 7 countries. These institutions include non-profit institutions, trade associations, for-profit companies, colleges and universities, and military organizations. The DEAC has strict criteria for approving schools for accreditation, and

2211-557: The Selected Reserve (also known as "call to service"), they have 10 years from their release from active duty, or 10 years from the completion of the four-year Selected Reserve obligation to use MGIB benefits. At this time, service members cannot recoup any monies paid into the MGIB program should it not be utilized. Service members may use GI bill in conjunction with Military Tuition Assistance (MilTA) to help with payments above

2278-744: The VFW and the Legion as the twin pillars of the American veterans' lobby for decades." Harry W. Colmery , Republican National Committee chairman and a former National Commander of the American Legion, is credited with writing the first draft of the G.I. Bill. He reportedly jotted down his ideas on stationery and a napkin at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. A group of 8 from

2345-486: The accreditation of (51 percent or more) distance education programs of study and institutions. The DEAC is recognized as a U.S. institutional accreditor by both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) . The DEAC was established in 1926 as the National Home Study Council (NHSC), a trade association for correspondence schools. Its formation

2412-412: The benefits, they received as of 2012 $ 1564 monthly as a full-time student (tiered at lower rates for less-than-full-time) for a maximum of 36 months of education benefits. This benefit could be used for both degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training, and correspondence courses if the veteran was enrolled full-time. Part-time veteran students received less, but for

2479-452: The curriculum beyond the traditional "preach and teach" course of study. Though black people encountered many obstacles in their pursuit of G.I. benefits, the bill greatly expanded the population of African Americans attending college and graduate school. In 1940, enrollment at Black colleges was 1.08% of total U.S. college enrollment. By 1950 it had increased to 3.6%. However, these gains were limited almost exclusively to Northern states, and

2546-477: The date the veteran was first notified of a service-connected disability rating. In general, participants have 48 months of program entitlement to complete an individual vocational rehabilitation plan. Participants deemed to have a "serious employment handicap" will generally be granted exemption from the 12-year eligibility period and may receive additional months of entitlement as necessary to complete approved plans. The Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)

2613-556: The development of suitable, gainful employment by providing vocational and personal adjustment counseling, training assistance, a monthly subsistence allowance during active training, and employment assistance after training. Independent living services may also be provided to advance vocational potential for eventual job seekers, or to enhance the independence of eligible participants who are presently unable to work. In order to receive an evaluation for Chapter 31 vocational rehabilitation and/or independent living services, those qualifying as

2680-422: The educational and economic gap between white and black nationally widened under the effects of the G.I. Bill. With 79 percent of the black population living in southern states, educational gains were limited to a small portion of black Americans. Congress did not include the merchant marine veterans in the original G.I. Bill, even though they were considered military personnel in times of war in accordance with

2747-431: The enrollment of 18 graduate students. Initially, the main goal of the university was to meet the unique educational needs of military personnel needing courses in specialized areas, such as counterterrorism and military intelligence , that were not included in typical university course offerings. In the early years, instruction was done through conventional correspondence. In June 1995 AMU became nationally accredited by

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2814-524: The era of Jim Crow . The original G.I. Bill ended in 1956. The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 provided veterans with funding for the full cost of any public college in their state. The G.I. Bill was also modified through the passage of the Forever GI Bill in 2017. On June 22, 1944, the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, commonly known as the G.I. Bill of Rights,

2881-427: The first and second World Wars. These included inadequate types of prosthetics, poor quality of prosthetics, and a high emphasis on societal reintegration that emphasized aesthetics over function. However, the sympathetic perception of veterans, influenced by films like Meet McGonegal (1944), helped to drive innovation of prosthetic devices. Williamson also argued that these veteran's benefits, despite their flaws, set

2948-516: The following: As well as professional certificates, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and master's degrees, the university now awards doctoral degrees. Beginning in May 2017, the university began awarding doctoral degrees in the following courses of study: Doctor of Global Security (DGS) and Doctor of Strategic Intelligence (DSI). According to the National Center for Education Statistics ,

3015-502: The loophole in the 90-10 rule that previously excluded DOD Tuition Assistance funds and GI Bill funds. The Veterans Education Project reported that American Public University System would be the largest for-profit college chain negatively affected by the modified rule. APUS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission . In 2018, the accreditation status was designated "under governmental investigation" as

3082-402: The monthly MGIB rate would pay). The additional contribution must be made while still on active duty. It is available for G.I. Bill recipients using either Ch. 30 or Ch. 1607, but cannot be extended beyond 36 months if a combination of G.I. Bill programs are used. It will pay past 36 months of eligibility, by being paid to the end of the term where entitlement is exhausted. The "buy-up" option

3149-598: The original bill, and these benefits packages are commonly referred to as updates to the G.I. Bill. A greater percentage of Vietnam veterans used G.I. Bill education benefits (72 percent) than World War II veterans (49 percent) or Korean War veterans (43 percent). Canada operated a similar program for its World War II veterans, with a similarly beneficial economic impact. The G.I. Bill aimed to help American World War II veterans adjust to civilian life by providing them with benefits including low-cost mortgages , low-interest loans and financial support. The chairman of

3216-600: The private sector," the VA "can and will deliver the benefits program on time." President Obama Launches Post-9/11 GI Bill August 3, 2009 | 12:01 President Obama marks the launch of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which will provide comprehensive education benefits to our veterans. The bill will provide our veterans the skills and trainings they need to be successful in the future, and is part of the Presidents plan to build

3283-622: The remaining survivors. In 2007, three different bills to address this issue were introduced in Congress, of which one only passed in the House of Representatives. The Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007 establishes Merchant Mariner equality compensation payments by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of a monthly benefit of $ 1,000 to each individual who, between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946,

3350-536: The service member cannot recoup whatever money was paid into the system. In some states, the National Guard does offer true scholarship benefits, regardless of past or current MGIB participation. In 1984, former Mississippi Democratic Congressman Gillespie V. "Sonny" Montgomery revamped the G.I. Bill. From 1984 until 2008, this version of the law was called "The Montgomery G.I. Bill". The Montgomery GI Bill — Active Duty (MGIB) stated that active duty members had to forfeit $ 100 per month for 12 months; if they used

3417-406: The service member contributes, the federal government contributes $ 8. Those who forfeit the maximum ($ 600) will receive, upon approval, an additional $ 150 per month for 36 months, or a total of $ 5400. This allows the veteran to receive $ 4,800 in additional funds ($ 5400 total minus the $ 600 contribution to receive it), but not until after leaving active duty (unless the tuition of a term is higher than

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3484-654: The stage for later government support and legislation, like the Americans with Disabilities Act . All veteran education programs are found in law in Title 38 of the United States Code. Each specific program is found in its own Chapter in Title 38. Unlike scholarship programs, the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) requires a financial commitment from the service member. However, if the benefit is not used,

3551-514: The summer of 2008, approved an expansion of benefits beyond the current G.I. Bill program for military veterans serving since the September 11 attacks originally proposed by Democratic Senator Jim Webb . Beginning in August 2009, recipients became eligible for greatly expanded benefits, or the full cost of any public college in their state. The new bill also provides a housing allowance and $ 1,000

3618-410: The veteran is full-time, and his or her maximum BAH rate is $ 1500 per month, then he or she will receive (13/30)x$ 1500 = $ 650 for the end of the first period of enrollment, then the veteran will receive (10/30)x$ 1500 = $ 500 for the beginning of the second period of enrollment. Effectively, the change in break-pay means the veteran will receive $ 1150 per month for August instead of $ 1500 per month. This has

3685-836: The war, many people, black people included, returned to their former lives of poverty, making it difficult for them to pursue the higher education opportunities afforded by the G.I. Bill. In the South, which was still segregated at that time, some universities refused to admit black people until the Civil Rights movement. Colleges accepting black people in the South initially numbered 100. Some of those institutions were of lower quality, with 28 of them classified as sub- baccalaureate . Only seven states offered post-baccalaureate training, while no accredited engineering or doctoral programs were available for blacks. These institutions were all smaller than white or non-segregated universities, often facing

3752-763: Was a documented member of the U.S. Merchant Marine (including Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service). This bill was introduced to the House by Rep. Bob Filner (D-California) in 2007 and passed the House but not the Senate so did not become law. Another attempt to notice Merchant Marines in the G.I. Bill was the 21st Century GI Bill of Rights Act of 2007, introduced by Sen. Hillary Clinton, Entitles basic educational assistance to Armed Forces or reserves who, after September 11, 2001: (1) are deployed overseas; or (2) serve for an aggregate of at least two years or, before such period, are discharged due to

3819-571: Was accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission . APUS resigned its accreditation through this organization as of April 30, 2012. The university's School of Business is accredited by, and several business programs have specialized accreditation from, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs . The university's Bachelor of Science in nursing (RN to BSN) program

3886-431: Was clear they wanted educational opportunities previously unavailable to them. FDR "lit up," Rosenberg recalled, and subsequent additions to the bill included provisions for higher education. The final bill provided immediate financial rewards for practically all World War II veterans, thereby avoiding the highly disputed postponed life insurance policy payout for World War I veterans that had caused political turmoil in

3953-600: Was granted regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission . In 2012 American Public University System resigned its DETC accreditation. In 2016, the university was listed as tied for 58th place in U.S. News & World Report ranking of online bachelor's degree Programs. In July 2016, long-time President Wallace E. Boston was succeeded as APUS president by former executive vice president and provost Karan Powell, while continuing his leadership role as CEO of APEI to provide strategic and leadership support to APUS and other APEI ventures. In September 2016, Vernon Smith

4020-423: Was in response to a Carnegie Corporation study that found a lack of standards to ensure quality in correspondence schools and protect their students and the public from fraud . Under its first director, John Noffsinger, the NHSC developed a list of minimum standards for proprietary schools . The NHSC adopted the name Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) in 1994 and its current name in 2014. In 1959

4087-604: Was known as the 52–20 clause for unemployment. Unemployed war veterans would receive $ 20 once a week for 52 weeks for up to one year while they were looking for work. Less than 20 percent of the money set aside for the 52–20 Club was distributed. Rather, most returning servicemen quickly found jobs or pursued higher education. The recipients did not pay any income tax on the GI benefits, since they were not considered earned income. The G.I. Bill received criticism for directing some funds to for-profit educational institutions . The G.I. Bill

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4154-526: Was largely designed and passed through Congress in 1944 in a bipartisan effort led by the American Legion , which wanted to reward practically all wartime veterans. John H. Stelle , a former Democratic Governor of Illinois, served as the Chairman of the Legion's Executive Committee, which drafted and mobilized public opinion to get the G.I. Bill to President Roosevelt's desk on June 22, 1944. Stelle

4221-437: Was named president of APUS; he was replaced by long-serving APUS board chair Dr. Katherine Zatz on November 4, 2021, who was the acting president until Nuno Fernandes took over on September 1, 2022. In October 2020, parent company APEI began the process of acquiring Rasmussen College , later named Rasmussen University. Under the 90-10 rule, schools are required to get funds that are not federal funds. In 2021, Congress closed

4288-415: Was named senior vice president and provost, succeeding Powell. In September 2017, Boston was reappointed APUS president. In September 2019, Angela Selden was named CEO of APEI, succeeding Boston as head of the parent company. APUS had a partnership with Walmart from 2010 to 2019. Walmart spent $ 50 million on the "Lifelong Learning Program, chiefly for tuition grants for Walmart workers to 'further develop

4355-569: Was racially discriminatory, as it was intended to accommodate Jim Crow laws . Due to the discrimination by local and state governments, as well as by private actors in housing and education, the G.I. Bill failed to benefit African Americans as it did with white Americans. Columbia University historian Ira Katznelson described the G.I. Bill as affirmative action for whites. The G.I. Bill has been criticized for increasing racial wealth disparities. The original G.I. Bill ended in 1956. A variety of benefits have been available to military veterans since

4422-501: Was rewarded for his efforts by the Legion which unanimously elected him its National Commander in 1945. He is commonly referred to as the "Father of the G.I. Bill." Since the First World War the Legion had been in the forefront of lobbying Congress for generous benefits for war veterans. President Roosevelt initially proposed a much smaller program. As historians Glenn C. Altschuler and Stuart Blumin point out, FDR did not play

4489-520: Was signed into law. Professor Edwin Amenta states: During the war, politicians wanted to avoid the postwar confusion about veterans' benefits that became a political football in the 1920s and 1930s. Veterans' organizations that had formed after the First World War had millions of members; they mobilized support in Congress for a bill that provided benefits only to veterans of military service, including men and women. Ortiz says their efforts "entrenched

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