OSU, OU Warn of Large Tuition Increases if State Question 744 Passes

Oklahoma State University President Burns Hargis and University of Oklahoma President David Boren have jointly asked those running the campaign for State Question 744 to take the ad off air.

Wednesday, September 22nd 2010, 7:47 pm

By: News 9


News9.com

STILLWATER, Oklahoma -- Oklahoma State University President Burns Hargis and University of Oklahoma President David Boren have jointly asked those running the campaign for State Question 744 to take the ad off air.

Both schools' logos appear in the ad and they are being used without school authorization.

Both presidents also expressed concern that very large tuition increases will be necessary if the state question passes. They also expressed concern that the ad could cause some voters to mistakenly believe that the universities are supporting the proposal.

In a joint statement, presidents Boren and Hargis said:

"We urge those running the media campaign for State Question 744 to stop running an ad which could cause some voters to get the false impression that colleges and universities, including OU and OSU, are supporting the proposal. This ad has not been authorized by either university. In fact, passage of State Question 744 is likely to lead to multimillion dollar cuts in higher education and could force tuition and cost increases for our students and their families ranging from 15 to 20 percent per year for up to three years in a row.

"Passage could also lead to damaging cuts in courses and programs. We strongly support improved funding for K through 12 education, however, State Question 744 provides no revenue sources to pay for its mandates. Without new revenue sources, it would cause destructive cuts in other vital state services, like higher education, vocational-technical education, highways, law enforcement and medical services. We do not recommend how anyone should vote, but we feel a responsibility to inform Oklahomans about the potential impact of this proposal."

More: Voting 101: Navigating the Ballots | Gov. Henry Announces Opposition to State Question 744

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