LANSING — Senate Majority Floor Leader Sam Singh introduced a proposal on Thursday aimed at changing how members of Michigan's university boards, the attorney general, and the secretary of state are selected. The proposal would alter the process for Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, and Wayne State University.
Under Singh's plan, board members for these universities would transition from elected positions to gubernatorial appointments. Current university board members would serve the remainder of their staggered eight-year terms, after which the governor would appoint replacements. Singh stated, "I believe it's the right policy."
Separately, a House resolution proposing that university boards be subject to gubernatorial appointment did not receive the necessary two-thirds support on Wednesday. That failed House proposal would have removed all current board members, allowing the governor to appoint replacements on December 31 and January 1. The rejected House plan also stipulated that university boards consist of four Republicans, four Democrats, and one independent.
Democrats currently hold majorities on the university boards, which consist of eight members. Party members at political conventions currently nominate candidates for the three university boards, with general election voters deciding the outcomes in November. Singh's proposal would also change the nomination process for secretary of state and attorney general candidates, moving it to the August primary election instead of party conventions.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, "Our process for selecting regents, trustees and governors does not work." The proposed board changes follow controversies at the universities, including the handling of allegations against Larry Nassar and Dr. Robert Anderson, as well as multiple presidential transitions. Kevin Guskiewicz, who is resigning as president of Michigan State to take the presidency at Clemson University, stated that the behavior of several university trustees prompted his decision to leave Michigan State.
Senate leadership referred Singh's proposal to the Government Operations Committee. Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks chairs this committee.