LANSING, Mich.
A state lawmaker is drawing up a proposal that would give the top 10 percent of graduates at each of Michigan’s high schools automatic admission to state universities.
Rep. Rick Jones, a Republican from Grand Ledge, said Thursday he hopes to get action on the upcoming legislation before the Legislature adjourns at the end of the year. The plan would help give first choice to qualifying Michigan students at the state’s 15 public universities over students from out-of-state or other countries.
Jones said the plan would give equal chance of acceptance to all state universities for top students from all Michigan communities — inner city, rural or suburban.
“With this plan, you achieve a greater geographic, economic and racial diversity,” Jones said.
Mike Boulus, leader of the Presidents Council representing Michigan’s public universities, said the plan will draw opposition from universities. A primary concern, he said, is that the top 10 percent of some Michigan high schools is not academically equal to the top 10 percent of others.
“It would take carefully thought out processes at each university and turn them topsy turvy,” Boulus said.
