ALMA – The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education heard conflicting testimonies about Central Michigan University on Friday in Alma.

University President Michael Rao spoke in front of the committee to inform senators about CMU’s status and advocate more funds for the university, while Students Against Gary Peters spokesman Dennis Lennox II, a Topinabee junior, requested senators delay the funds.

Rao prepared five points to discuss with the Senate: teaching/learning, diversity, research, service and integrity.

“CMU continues to move in the right direction, and is the fourth largest university in Michigan,” Rao said.

He also said the focus should be on the future, and CMU could prepare for that by having a medical school that would focus on health education, prevention and lifestyles. Rao said higher education has to be a major player in the stimulation of Michigan’s economy.

“We need to see some stronger public policy to achieve those goals,” he said.

Sen. Bill Hardiman, R-Kentwood, asked Rao about the noose incident on campus. Rao responded by saying CMU is making good progress toward diversity.

Sen. Jim Barcia, D-Bay City, said he appreciated Rao’s progressive and forward thinking.

Rao was joined by the presidents of Saginaw Valley State University, Hope College and Alma College. All the presidents noted their students were staying in Michigan after graduation, with CMU at a reported 80 percent.

Lennox testified during public comment, and said he thought it went well.

“As you know under the Michigan constitution of 1963, you as legislators have an obligation to allocate funds to the state’s institutions of higher education, but that doesn’t mean you write a check without asking questions,” Lennox said. “As the spokesman for 150 students, I am urging subcommittee members to ask questions and demand answers from CMU.”

In contradiction, Bruce Fealk of Rochester Hills, who writes a blog criticizing State Rep. Joe Knollenberg called Vote No on Joe (Knollenberg), spoke to the senators after Lennox.

“I would ask you not take any action,” he said.

Peters is running against Knollenberg in November for the 9th district U.S. House seat.

Fealk said he reviewed CMU’s budget, and the Griffin Endowment Chair, the position Peters fills, is a privately endowed chair and does not come from taxpayers’ dollars.

Lennox said CMU is a public university and taxpayers have the right to ask legitimate questions.

Fealk also said he called all the Board of Trustee members and each reported no complaints from any students about Peters.

“I don’t think it’s unusual or unethical for him to run for Congress,” he said.

Fealk pointed out that three presidential candidates also are senators.

Lennox said Peters should have been at the meeting to defend himself.

“Gary Peters is an adult and a politician, and CMU should be answering these questions, not a paid bozo from Oakland County,” he said.

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