Governance Of State Schools Must Be Democratized

OPINION

Governance of state schools must be democratized

by Eric Jackson

   We leftists generally agree about what we dislike. For example, we dislike the pervasive corruptíon of our political system at all levels. Few AGENDA readers are not disgusted by the grotesque political patronage system at Eastem Michigan University. Few of us like the way that the University of Michigan's regents are selected, with nominations of subservient party hacks or large financial contributors by back room convention deals.

   We are less united about what to do about such lack of democracy. First, because we generally believe that democracy is not enough. The rights to vote and seek office are depreciated when big money buys the advertising that wins elections. Second, the left is divided among those who limit their vision to piecemeal reform, those who eschew all reforms as sell-outs, and those with positions in between.

   Without promoting any panaceas, I believe that we should reform university governance in our state. Seeking allies where they may be found, we should initiate such a change.

   U-M, Wayne State and Michigan State University, which have elected governing boards, should have nomination by primary, not convention. The regents of regional universities (Eastem, Western, Central, and Northern Michigan Universities) should be nominated and elected by the voters of their surrounding regions in lieu of the present system of gubematorial appointment.

   Each state college or university should have elected student and faculty representatives on its governing board. Elections for college and university boards ought to be removed from the shadow of the bedsheet ballot by being changed to odd-numbered years. Primaries should take place in the early spring when students are on campus.

   To accomplish these changes would require a monumental statewide petitioning effort to amend the state constitution. Such an effort would be an opportunity to expose and challenge the corruption of the present system. To win would open the door to more profound electoral struggles. There would be real campaigns for regent. Unlike now, racism could be an issue in regent elections. Unlike now, the quest for a system of higher education which serves ordinary people's needs could emerge from the campuses into the community at large.