Trustees Defy University Code of Conduct

Michigan State University’s new code of conduct, which demands loyalty to the institution over voters, has sparked outrage after two trustees refused to sign — triggering sanctions and igniting a statewide debate over whether elected university board members should even exist. Critics call the policy censorship, arguing elected officials must represent the people, not be silenced by internal rules passed in secret. The trustees, Mike Balow and Rema Vassar, face credential revocation and are challenging the policy’s legality, insisting universities must foster debate, not enforce silence. The controversy also reignites a broader national conversation: Michigan is one of just four states with elected university boards — others appoint them — raising questions about accountability, governance, and the future of public higher education. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/a78fe74063c708bb