A new proposal in the Michigan Senate aims to alter the selection method for governing boards at the state’s largest universities. The initiative, introduced on Thursday, seeks to replace the current voter-based system with gubernatorial appointments for board members at Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, and Wayne State University.
Senate Majority Floor Leader Sam Singh, representing East Lansing, emphasized the need for change, citing past issues. “I think if you talk to the general public, they’re just as disgusted by what they’re seeing. And so, this idea that we would continue to politicize these three boards when they’re such important institutions to our state and to our economic development is beyond me,” Singh stated.
Under the existing arrangement, these university boards are chosen through elections involving candidates nominated by major political parties. The proposed adjustment would instead allow the governor to appoint new members with Senate approval, aligning these boards with the selection process used by other public universities in Michigan.
The call for reform stems from various controversies that have plagued the university boards, including conflicts with school leadership and mishandling of sexual assault cases at both MSU and U of M. Recently, the president of Michigan State University resigned due to board-related frustrations.
Significant figures, including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and several former governors, have shown support for this initiative, albeit with differing visions. Altering the current system requires voter approval of a constitutional amendment and a supermajority in both legislative chambers, a challenging feat.
Alongside this plan, a shift towards a primary system for nominating the Attorney General and Secretary of State is also proposed, moving away from party convention delegates.
A separate proposal in the House, focusing solely on university boards, failed to pass earlier this week. It suggested clearing the current boards and replacing members with an equal number of Democrats and Republicans, supplemented by an independent member appointed by the governor.
House Majority Floor Leader Bryan Posthumus of Rockford described this as a compromise to maintain electoral involvement. He stated, “Our state is used to the people voting on these in general. And so, the voice of the people, the legislative body, should be represented in some way, shape or form. So, I think that is important that we keep that in there too.”
Despite the House proposal’s failure, Posthumus expressed optimism about finding a middle ground between the Senate and House versions.
The House vote saw limited Republican support and only one Democrat in favor, largely due to the lack of consultation with Democratic leadership before the vote. While there was no immediate response to the Senate’s version, some House members argue for maintaining voter input in board selections.
State Rep. Samantha Steckloff of Farmington Hills remarked on the significance of voter accountability, saying, “What makes Michigan so unique and why our universities are so successful is because our university boards and our regents are held accountable by the people.”
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