Pols Pushed U. of Illinois Into Taking Students

'Clout list' just amounts to 'blackmail:' critics

By Wesley Oliver, Newser Staff

Posted May 30, 2009 4:32 PM CDT

(Newser) – Prominent state lawmakers have been pressuring administrators at the University of Illinois to accept favored applicants or risk facing their wrath, the Chicago Tribune reports. Analyzing 1,800 documents, the paper found that subpar applicants on a “clout list” gained admission over the objections of admissions officers after school lobbyists passed along veiled threats from legislators.

One lawmaker said administrators “have always been brutally honest” in responding to his requests, but critics say the dealings—which include pressure from former Gov. Rod Blagojevich—disenfranchise worthy students. “It’s completely inappropriate,” said one official. A colleague called it a “constituent service,” but added, “It doesn't mean you should be participating in a form of blackmail."

[Images (4)]

[Quotes (1)]

The University of Illinois. (Shutterstock)

The University of Illinois Alma Mater statue on campus (Shutterstock)

Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan has submitted the most applicant requests of any lawmaker over the past five years. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich asked officials at the University of Illinois to admit the nephew of an associate. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

Do you think that if Barack Obama called me up and said, 'My nephew lives in Illinois and is applying,'—I mean, this is the president of the United States. What am I supposed to do?"
- Richard Herman, chancellor of the University of Illinois

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

NY College Offers Freshmen $10K to Wait a Year

Ithaca finds novel solution to over-enrollment

(NEWSER) - Ithaca College faced flagging enrollment last year, so it loosened admissions criteria. But that backfired: The New York school admitted 250 students more than it can accommodate this year. Even after building a temporary dorm, the college still doesn’t have room for 31 of them, so it’s making them an offer: $10,000 to take the year off and start classes next fall, the Ithaca Journal reports. More»

Campus Tries to Keep Booze Out of Class

St. Patty's crackdown turns profs into bouncers at Illinois

(NEWSER) - University of Illinois officials will search students’ backpacks and confiscate containers they suspect might contain alcohol during tomorrow’s “Unofficial St. Patrick’s Day,” the Chicago Tribune reports. Students typically pack campus bars for green beer as early as 8am, and some take drinks to class. “It is surprising that students would actually decide to both celebrate ‘Unofficial’ and go to class,” a spokeswoman said. More»

Police Piece Together Shooter's Trail

Kazmierczak spent two days in motel room before shooting

(NEWSER) - Before his shooting rampage at NIU, Steven Kazmierczak spent two days in a motel, taking cold medicine and drinking Red Bull, the Chicago Tribune reports. He left behind no note, only a sealed duffel bag filled with gun ammo. Kazmierczak, who had stopped taking medication for anxiety, also sent his ex-girlfriend packages loaded with gun accessories. He instructed her not to open them until Valentine’s Day. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

Pols Pushed U. of Illinois Into Taking Students