Bi-partisan House Resolution Encourages President to Abandon his Plan to Rate Colleges
Two members of Congress, who collectively have the largest numbers of colleges in their districts of any two districts in the country, have introduced a resolution in Congress calling for the President to reconsider his effort to rate colleges.
In a rare bi-partisan effort, Representatives Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and Michael Capuano (D-MA) joined together to oppose the President’s plan (also see below for the text of their statements). In issuing a public statement on their reasons for developing the resolution, Congessman Goodlatte referenced the number of college and university presidents he has spoken to who are concerned about the negative impacts the proposal could have on higher education. He also spoke eloquently about the diversity of institutions in America and the fundamental role of students to make the choice of which institution will best serve their needs. “In making this important decision, students and their families know best what will meet their educational needs. It is not the place of the federal government, through a ratings system, to attempt to measure the value of an individual’s education.”
Representative Capuano applauded President Obama for his commitment to the broad goals of access and affordability, but expressed concern about aspects of the rating system. He raised particular issue with the idea of rating success based on graduate earnings, saying “… judging the value – or the ‘value-added’ – of a college by the earning of its graduates could cause schools to discourage alumni from public service and a variety of essential, rewarding but unremunerative careers.”
Representative Goodlatte, in a Dear Colleague letter, and Representative Capuano are actively seeking additional co-sponsors for their resolution. To ask your Republican Member of Congress to co-sponsor H. Res 614, please have your representative contact Lindsay Yates in Congressman Goodlatte’s office. If your representative is a Democrat, please ask them to contact Andrew Eaton in Congressman Capuano’s office.
Full text of statements opposing President Obama’s rating system from Representatives Goodlatte and Capuano:
Congressman Goodlatte: “Personality, location, availability of a major, tuition rates – all factors students might use when choosing which college or university to attend. The opportunities and experiences available to students at our nation’s colleges and universities are as diverse as the students who attend these institutions. In making this important decision, students and their families know best what will meet their educational needs. It is not the place of the federal government, through a ratings system, to attempt to measure the value of an individual’s education. I have spoken with a number of college and university presidents who are concerned about the negative impact this proposal may have on higher education, and I share their concerns. The resolution introduced today strongly supports the quality and value of diversity in our higher education system and makes clear that the Administration’s proposed college ratings system is not feasible and if attempted, would decrease choice, diversity, and innovation. I urge my colleagues in the House to join us in voicing opposition to the Administration’s misguided ratings system.”
Congressman Capuano: “I share President Obama’s belief that everyone has the right to develop his or her potential to the fullest, and that for many students, post-secondary education will prove enriching in both intellectual and material ways. To achieve this ideal and help our students compete globally, we must make higher education more affordable and accessible, and I appreciate the President’s commitment to that goal. Nonetheless, I have a number of concerns about aspects of the “President’s Plan to Make College More Affordable.” Specifically, some of the criteria proposed for a new college ratings system strike me as short-sighted and even counter-productive. For example, judging the value – or the “value-added” – of a college by the earning of its graduates could cause schools to discourage alumni from public service and a variety of essential, rewarding but unremunerative careers. I hope my colleagues will join us in opposing this proposed ratings system.”
For more information, please contact:
Tim Powers