Editorial: Our choices for Michigan State University Board of Trustees
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Editor's note: Michigan’s Constitution calls for statewide elections of the independent boards governing the state’s three major universities. Every two years, two of the positions on each eight-member board are up for election, and candidates are selected at state party conventions.Members serve eight-year terms. The university boards govern finances and hire presidents, among other important oversight tasks.
Michigan State University is still reeling from the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal, and rebuilding trust remains a top priority. Balanced leadership on the Board of Trustees is more important than ever as this institution moves forward. There is one open seat on the board with the decision by long-term Democratic member Joel Ferguson to not seek reelection.
Republicans Tonya Schuitmaker of Lawton and Pat O’Keefe of Troy are best suited to help lead the university past the crisis, as well as other challenges facing Michigan State.
As a former state senator, Schuitmaker helped lead legislative efforts to address Nassar's abuse, as well as advocated for justice for his victims. Schuitmaker, an attorney, is also committed to ensuring a safe campus for all students, reducing tuition and making sure the university is spending its funds in a transparent way.
O’Keefe, a financial adviser, is also committed to better oversight and making MSU a safer campus. He says the board must ensure the university complies with the federal Clery Act, which requires universities to report crimes on campus. In addition, his priorities include college affordability and freedom of speech on campus. O’Keefe has previous experience on university advisory boards, including Oakland University.
Long-term Democratic member Joel Ferguson chose not to seek re-election. But Democratic incumbent Brian Mosallam of Dearborn seeks a second term. And while he says he has the support of Nassar victims, and has been proactive on their behalf, we have concern about the lack of interest Mosallam and other trustees at the time showed in holding former MSU President Lou Anna Simon accountable for her handling of the Nassar scandal, and his failure to call for the removal of Nassar’s boss, dean William Strampel. Board members must be fully committed to their oversight role.
Democrat Rema Vassar of Detroit, an Eastern Michigan University professor, is also running. She offers a fresh perspective on making the university more accessible to students all over the state and is committed to accountability and affordability.
We recommend Tonya Schuitmaker and Pat O’Keefe as the best choices to offer political diversity and keep MSU accountable.
Endorsements are determined independently by The Detroit News Editorial Board and have no influence on news coverage.