senate resolution no.172

Senator LaSata offered the following resolution:

A resolution to oppose the use of taxpayer resources by Michigan’s public universities and/or community colleges to engage in partisan political activities or to influence the outcome of elections.

Whereas, Michigan’s fifteen public universities and twenty-eight community colleges are public institutions entrusted with more than $2.5 billion dollars of taxpayer funds annually.  It is inappropriate for these government entities to utilize public funds to engage in partisan political activism; and

Whereas, Respect for differing opinions and thoughtful consideration of divergent political viewpoints are cornerstones of Michigan’s public universities and community colleges.  Trust in institutions of higher education is threatened by the perception that they are engaging in partisan politics; and

Whereas, Members of the Michigan State University Board of Trustees Committee on Academic Affairs offered a resolution intended to pressure university vendors to cease their support of certain elected officials, candidates, and political parties. Such a resolution is a blatant attempt to utilize state resources to affect the outcome of an election; and

Whereas, The Committee on Academic Affair’s resolution, regardless of whether it is passed or not, sends a message to vendors that their personal political contributions are being monitored. Furthermore, a resolution of this nature could encourage other institutions of higher education to use public funds to engage in partisan politics; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That we oppose the use of taxpayer resources by Michigan’s public universities and/or community colleges to engage in partisan political activities or to influence the outcome of elections; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the governing boards of Michigan’s state funded public universities and community colleges.