Recently The Michigan Daily published an editorial claiming, ".amending admissions would be disastrous for education" (Amending admissions, 04/29/2008). The editorial was referring to the legislative initiative that I am currently working on similar to the "10-percent Plan" currently in Texas.

In Texas the top 10 percent of graduating high school seniors receive automatic admission into any state university. This has occurred for more than a decade. In a recent Harvard study, the students admitted under the 10-percent plan had higher grades and higher graduation rates at the universities. It also increased racial, economic, and geographical diversity. Under this proposal, students from urban cities, the rural countryside and private schools get the same chance to go to college. I have heard from many rural school parents that their children never even get a chance. This plan at a minimum requires exploration and additional study.

Rep. Shanelle Jackson (D-Detroit) recently proposed a similar 10-percent idea. I'm a Republican from Grand Ledge and we both agree that change is needed. Change is needed to allow for greater access and broader education options here in Michigan.

The top priority and mission of every public university in Michigan that accepts public tax dollars must be to educate Michigan students first. Currently, one third of freshmen come from foreign countries and other states. Under my proposal, students from places like China and New York are welcome, but only after Michigan students have had the first chance.

After I rolled out the proposal to alter university admissions, I was contacted by two University of Michigan professors. One professor blatantly stated to me that the University was an "elite institution" and only certain types of people should apply. I do not believe in "elitist" institutions. On the other hand, the other professor agreed with me that the "mission" of the University has changed during the last 30 years to exclude Michigan students and educate those from other states and countries.

I strongly believe that out-of-state and foreign students should not be "cherry-picked" because they pay higher tuition rates. Money should not be the motivating factor for public schools when it comes to our kids' educations. I encourage the University administration to have an open mind when exploring a groundbreaking change such as this. The institution prides itself on cultivating critical thinkers - I say it's time for it to apply the same practices and skills internally.

Again, students from all countries and states are welcome at our Michigan universities. However, I believe Michigan students must come first.

Rick Jones is Grand Ledge's representative in the U.S. House of Representatives.