Whereas, The COVID-19 Pandemic has taken an especially hard toll on our students at both universities and community colleges, which has been reflected in declining enrollment numbers. Enrollment at public four-year institutions in Michigan fell by 9.5 percent from 2020 to last year, while private four-year colleges experienced a 6 percent decrease during that same time period. Enrollment at public two-year colleges, which disproportionately enroll the state’s low-income students and adult students, declined by over 20 percent from fall 2019 to fall 2020. Statistics dating back to before the pandemic also reflect declining enrollment at institutions across the state; and
Whereas, This decline in enrollment presents a problem for employers looking to fill positions with skilled graduates. Michigan added thousands of jobs in March 2022 and the workforce need is expected to continue to increase in the next several years. The combination of declining enrollment and increased job opportunities creates a clear need for an educated workforce to compete with our neighboring states and beyond; and
Whereas, Mandates related to COVID-19, including vaccine requirements and building closures, create barriers for students seeking postsecondary education. In addition, implementing burdens such as mandatory online class, masks, fines, or frequent testing creates opportunities for postsecondary institutions to discriminate between vaccinated and unvaccinated students. This type of environment is likely to be frustrating and discouraging for many students; and
Whereas, We should be doing everything we can to encourage, not discourage, students to seek job training and postsecondary degrees, especially when the potential barriers are not essential – 60 percent of the population in this state is already fully vaccinated. Further unnecessary mandates will result in increased resentment and resistance, not compliance; and
Whereas, Some institutions are easing the burden on students by making recommendations as opposed to implementing mandates, but this should be standard at all colleges and universities. Postsecondary institutions should ensure any COVID-related policies are not mandatory; and
Whereas, In order improve the health of Michigan’s economy, we need to do everything we can to ensure students stay on track and complete their degrees. We must ensure students are not forced to put their education and futures on hold because of COVID-19 mandates; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we oppose mandates related to COVID-19 at all public and private colleges and universities in Michigan; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the chief executive officer of the Michigan Association of State Universities, the president of Michigan Independent Colleges and Universities, and the president of the Michigan Community College Association.
The substitute was not adopted.
Senator Barrett requested the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered, 1/5 of the members present voting therefor.
The substitute (S-1) was adopted, a majority of the members voting therefor, as follows: