State lawmakers have backed down from penalizing Michigan State University over controversial courses about organized labor. The $500,000 fine was taken out of a budget bill approved this week in the Legislature.
“As we’ve made the rounds and talked to a number of members, I think as we give them all information, I think there’s fewer concerns than were originally raised,” said David Bertram, MSU’s assistant vice president for state affairs.
Bertram says no taxpayer money is used to support the program.
“As a matter of fact, we actually make a small profit off of this that goes into the graduate program at our school of human resources and labor relations,” he said.
The program is offered to groups hoping to learn more about union organizing. It is not open to regular undergraduate or graduate students.
The state budget for the fiscal year starting in October is on its way to Gov. Rick Snyder’s desk.
