Hrabowski Not Interested In Politics
Photos
Freeman Hrabowski is quick to point out that he's an educator and not a politician.
So much so that the president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County did something Wednesday that some might consider politically imprudent: he spoke in absolutes about his interest in shrugging off academics for a life in politics.
"Absolutely not," Hrabowski said Wednesday.
The question arose after Hrabowski took center stage during a news conference at his university to support efforts to win a referendum fight over a law that would grant in-state tuition to some illegal and undocumented immigrants.
It's a stance that drew quick criticism from Del. Pat McDonough, a Middle River Republican, who labeled the university president as "soft on illegal immigrants."
Hrabowski was quick to point out that the news conference was not a university sponsored event. The University System of Maryland has twice voted to support the law that will now be on the ballot in November and Hrabowski said he personally supports the law.
"I want my students to know that I will speak what I see as the truth," Hrabowski said.
But could his presence at the event also signal a first step into statewide politics?
"I have a lot of respect for politicians," Hrabowski said. "I can't do what they do.
"Anyone who knows me knows I'm 100 percent education," he said.
So is that a "never", he was asked?
"Read my lips, my eyes, my heart," Hrabowski said. "Absolutely not."
JD1
10:44 pm on Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Love this guy - don't agree with his stance on this issue but he is an awesome educator!
Spring Heeled Jack
7:44 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
I agree with you. I know him after going to UMBC and he is an amazingly smart and wonderful man. I do not agree with his stance on this though!
Spring Heeled Jack
7:57 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
Illegal means Illegal!
At UMBC if you are caught cheating, lying about a illegal activity, stealing, fighting, even downloading movies or music via bit torrent you are 90% of the time expelled (no questions asked).
So an ILLEGAL immigrant, not in this country legally, not following the standard process of legal immigration, attending a state university should be ignored and overlooked? Where are the morals and honesty in this activity?
JAM
12:35 pm on Friday, July 20, 2012
There are conditions to being able to pay in-state tuition while being illegal. A couple of the restrictions consist of; you must be in the process of trying to gain legal status and you must be paying taxes. Don't you think it is wise to help get these promising students educated so they can become productive future citizens? Or would like to them to never attend school, not be able to find decent employment and become dependent on your tax money when they do become citizens?
Peace and Love
9:13 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
I'm glad he's not "testing the waters." Mr. Hrabowski is amazing, but he wouldn't have the slightest chance at winning a state-wide race. Mr. McDonough on the other hand is not so amazing. He continues to be just annoying at every opportunity to get attention and to keep getting elected. Now there is a complete waste of tax payer money. It's a shame he doesn't actually stand for or do anything that is actually useful in creating anything "positive" for the citizens and residents of Maryland. All I ever hear from him is how he is "fighting against" or "opposed to" or trying to "defeat" something. Mr. McDonough, what else do you do? Is this what you mean by "Supporting American Ideals and Protecting our Citizens" as it says on your website? What are you protecting us from, and by what authority can you even protect anyone? Please just go away until you are ready to be "for" something. By the way, it's not your party affiliation; it's just your hateful and mean spirited way that is annoying.
JD1
1:13 pm on Friday, July 20, 2012
Bucephalus - there are multiple paths to becoming a successful and productive citizen. Attending college is just one option. Lots of kids go to work, join the military, or learn a trade and they don't become losers. Based on your argument - we should provide discounted tuition to everyone. The government has no right to take my tax dollars and give it to someone who has the ability to go to work, save their money, and pay like everyone else.
John Clarke
11:12 am on Sunday, July 22, 2012
Illegal is illegal in any language, and I did not work all my life to help pay tuition for undocumented immigrants that are in this country.
Steve
11:57 am on Sunday, July 22, 2012
You are not paying for it. It's not tax funded.
adminnikePrinz
12:33 pm on Monday, July 30, 2012
http://www.shoesmallshop.com/Inexpensive. Full range here as long as you need as long as you want http://www.shoesmallshop.com/Everything. Synthesis. This is the comprehensive trade website