Denominational
Colleges: To Be Private, or Not to Be
Do Denominational Colleges Deserve a Place in Michigan Education?
Article Written By Meagan Sturm
YES
Thomas W. Merrill
It cannot be assumed that all students with an interest in being educated desire to receive their education from a public school. In fact, students who do not want to attend the University may leave Michigan to pursue their higher education (Dunbar 1935, 398). I came to Michigan with the idea for the Michigan and Huron Institute, dreaming to establish a school of higher education where students could learn under the shadows of their faith. In my case, I wanted to start a school under the shadows of the Baptist Church (Riegle, 342). While denominational colleges often place a focus on preparing students for the ministry, they also provide meaningful education under the positive influence of religion. Although students of the schools’ denominations may tend to flock to those schools, denominational colleges remain open to students of any sect or denomination. We do not push away students who are willing to learn and who want to get a proper college education (Dunbar 1935, 391). It is not the State’s job to collect taxes to support a system of public education. Higher education is only meaningful under religious influences, supported by the selling of scholarships, donations, and student tuition. Also, it doesn’t matter if we are not given land grants to form our schools. There are many church leaders and citizens eager to support leaders like myself in our efforts (Dunbar 1935, 396). We also have strong support from the Republican Party. Many sects have established academies and seminaries in Michigan, but they should be given the ability to grant degrees (Dunbar 1935, 390). We work hard to give students a proper education, and we follow the rules placed forward by Act 19 of the Michigan Public Acts of 1839. Every year, I, along with leaders of other denominational colleges, send a report including our income, number of instructors and the studies being pursued at our institutions (Joint Documents for the Year). These reports should be proof that denominational schools should be granted college charters. Simply look back to the Ordinance of 1787: “Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary for good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged” (Riegle, 341).