Colorado State University Democrats Demand that O'Donnell Take a Stand on C&D Despite Dangers of Passage, Higher Education Commissioner Refuses to Defend Students on Critical Issue

FORT COLLINS, CO - Following Colorado State University President Larry Penley's comments that CSU could become a private institution unless Referendums C and D are passed by the voters this fall, CSU student leaders today called on Rick O'Donnell, the Director of the Colorado Commission on Higher Education, to come out in support of the measures. Though Governor Bill Owens has come out in public support of the referendums, some say that the momentum has stalled because key leaders such as O'Donnell have not publicly stated their support. It is unusual for a member of the cabinet to refuse to publicly state support for his Governor's position on an important issue.

"As the Governor's point person on higher education, it is Rick O'Donnell's responsibility to stand up for Colorado students. His silence on the biggest issue to face Colorado higher education in decades is deafening," said Amy Krok, President of the CSU Democrats. "Our concern is that O'Donnell's refusal to take a stand for Colorado students is a cynical, partisan move intended to help his chances in his run for Congress. Such moments truly test a candidate's character. So far, Mr. O'Donnell is failing that test."

Recently, O'Donnell was featured in higher education-related Public Services Announcements, which are taxpayer-funded advertisements. The advertisements have come under fire recently because of the timing and O'Donnell's candidacy for Congress.

"If he's not going to fight for Colorado higher education students because of his personal political agenda, he should immediately resign and use his political campaign funds to pay back Colorado taxpayers for his taxpayer-funded television ads," CSU Democrats' Media Relations Chair Virginia Krausse added.

According to CSU President Larry Penley, if C and D fail, higher education will lose up to $400 million. CSU, for example, will have to raise tuition 30 to 50 percent overall, and perhaps up to 400 percent for the science and engineering programs, which economists argue are critically important to a region's economic growth and success.