Rep. Ed Robb should rethink importance of several state universities

COLUMBIA —Today (Oct. 3) I attended ASUM’s “Lunch with a Legislator” in which Rep. Ed Robb, R-Columbia, was the guest. I want to thank ASUM for providing the opportunity to speak with area lawmakers. I’m glad I had a chance to hear Robb’s opinion on higher education in Missouri, but something he said left me scratching my head.

Robb said point-blank that he wants to get rid of the universities of Southern Missouri, Western Missouri, Central Missouri, and Harris-Stowe. He thinks these schools are unnecessary and a waste of state funds.

I wonder what the students at these universities, many of whom are non-traditional, have careers and support a family, would have to say to Robb about the necessity of their school.

Robb’s statement is just more evidence that the Republican Party is out of touch with working families and the educational needs in Missouri.

Kennedy is president of the College Democrats of Missouri at MU.