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.