Reciprocity rules
Green's admissions plan seems like ploy to win back votes
Spectator Staff
Issue date: 9/14/06 Section: Editorial/Opinion
Rep. Mark Green's plan to give Wisconsin students an edge in admissions to state schools does not serve the interest of students or the goals of the UW System.
The Badger Herald reported that the Republican gubernatorial candidate announced a plan in which universities would admit Wisconsin applicants first, if all candidates met the same standards. He said his plan would make a UW education more affordable and it would restore taxpayer trust in the System.
But Green's plan seems like a last-ditch effort to reach out to voters he has alienated during his term as a state representative. Even though Gov. Doyle has not made the best decisions regarding the UW System, he did try to make education more affordable. Green voted against him.
In the article, Doyle's deputy press secretary said Green's proposed university budget does not provide any additional funding, which she said would result in a $100 million cut.
Green's announcement comes in the wake of the System's decision to factor race and economic background into admissions in an effort to create a more diverse academic environment - a decision he opposed. Favoring Wisconsin applicants would counteract this goal and create a conflicted message about what the state wants for its university system.
If Green really wants to reach out to student voters, he should consider other ideas to make college more affordable, like extending reciprocity to other states. Expanded reciprocity would provide more affordable college options and draw a wider variety of out-of-state students to UW schools.
When it comes down to it, Green's past actions speak louder than his words. Sugar-coated campaign promises are just not enough.
The Badger Herald reported that the Republican gubernatorial candidate announced a plan in which universities would admit Wisconsin applicants first, if all candidates met the same standards. He said his plan would make a UW education more affordable and it would restore taxpayer trust in the System.
But Green's plan seems like a last-ditch effort to reach out to voters he has alienated during his term as a state representative. Even though Gov. Doyle has not made the best decisions regarding the UW System, he did try to make education more affordable. Green voted against him.
In the article, Doyle's deputy press secretary said Green's proposed university budget does not provide any additional funding, which she said would result in a $100 million cut.
Green's announcement comes in the wake of the System's decision to factor race and economic background into admissions in an effort to create a more diverse academic environment - a decision he opposed. Favoring Wisconsin applicants would counteract this goal and create a conflicted message about what the state wants for its university system.
If Green really wants to reach out to student voters, he should consider other ideas to make college more affordable, like extending reciprocity to other states. Expanded reciprocity would provide more affordable college options and draw a wider variety of out-of-state students to UW schools.
When it comes down to it, Green's past actions speak louder than his words. Sugar-coated campaign promises are just not enough.
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