1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am writing as your constituent to urge you to oppose any legislation that would eliminate elected university governing boards and replace them with political appointments. Michigan’s public universities have long been protected by constitutionally elected boards a structure that ensures accountability to the people, not to whoever holds political power at any given moment. Replacing elected boards with appointed ones would concentrate power in the hands of politicians and open our public institutions to partisan interference. I am also deeply concerned about the timing of this proposal. It comes just weeks after grassroots delegates won key university board nominations at the Michigan Democratic Party Convention. Changing the rules after an election outcome you disagree with is not democracy it is the undermining of it. I urge you to: Support voter participation in choosing candidates for Attorney General and Secretary of State through primary elections. Oppose any measure that replaces elected university boards with political appointments. Our universities belong to the people of Michigan. Our elected representatives should protect that not dismantle it. I am watching this vote closely and I expect your support for democracy and public accountability.