The University of Colorado presidential finalist Mark Kennedy spent the week touring the college system's campuses. At every stop, Kennedy was quizzed about where he stood on LGBTQ issues.
Kennedy's selection faces opposition from students, faculty and alumni who point to his voting record as a Minnesota congressman and budget cuts made during his time as president of the University of North Dakota.
He was asked about his ability to fundraise for climate change research with his conservative voting record on environmental issues. He was also asked about his lack of a Ph.D. and why he has been job hunting after a little more than three years at the University of North Dakota.
Monday: Warwick Hotel, Denver
Kennedy started the tour on Monday in Denver by telling the audience that he is a "champion" of inclusion on campus.
Chris Bentley was there, doubtful that Kennedy could effectively lead CU.
"I'm here with an open mind, but (have) read and seen enough stuff about him that he just seems like an all-around terrible choice," said Bentley.
Tuesday: CU Colorado Springs
On Tuesday, Kennedy stopped at the Colorado Springs campus where questions about diversity and inclusion dominated the conversation.
(2/11) Discussion of diversity and inclusion dominated the conversation, and I’ll get to that shortly. But first, Kennedy started yesterday’s forum outlining his four priorities. So here they are, in case you’re curious …
— Catherine Welch (@CWELCHNC) April 24, 2019
During his time in Congress, Kennedy voted against same-sex marriage and for the 2006 Marriage Protection Amendment that would amend the Constitution making marriage between a man and a woman.
Kennedy told the Colorado Spring audience that he was a champion of the LGBTQ community and asked them to consider his record at the University of North Dakota.
"We never had a dedicated staff to the LGBTQI+ community until I got there," said Kennedy. "We added that staff person, we added programming."
Wednesday: CU: Anschutz Medical Center
His voting record was again center stage at the CU's Anschutz Medical campus. A small group rallied outside while inside Kennedy assured the audience that he would not impose his values on the university when it came to stem cell research.
"My values here at the University of Colorado will be what's in the interest of our faculty, staff and students and from the state," Kennedy said.
Mark Kennedy “is not who we want representing us,” says first year CU medical student Rosa Post (front) protests on Anschutz campus after presidential finalist Mark Kennedy held third public forum. pic.twitter.com/c1m2gjUMWq
— Stephanie Daniel (@stephd323) April 24, 2019
Throughout the process, the board of regents have insisted that Kennedy's experience in business, politics and higher education make him a good choice.
CU Regent Leslie Smith was there, and she liked hearing that Kennedy believes in academic freedom.
"I'm keeping an open mind," said Smith. "I'm still getting emails from people, and come Friday I will have a definite idea of which way I'm going to vote."
Thursday: CU Denver
On Thursday a handful of students in the back of the room held signs as the audience once again asked Kennedy to square his voting record with the need for diversity and inclusion on campus.
Alumnus K. Richard Engel listened to Kennedy's answers with an open mind, but he still has questions.
"Does he have an idea of where CU should be going, does he have an idea of leadership? If he has one, I'd like to hear it," said Engel.
Friday: CU Boulder
The final stop was at CU's Boulder campus where the crowd was much more vocal than at other forums. Audience members booed and shouted at Kennedy as he revisited his views on diversity and inclusion.
THREAD: Follow KUNC's @5280Andrews for live updates from @CUSystem presidential finalist Mark Kennedy's final forum at CU Boulder. https://t.co/7AOgOey0od
— KUNC Colorado (@KUNC) April 26, 2019
CU regents voted unanimously earlier this month to make Kennedy their sole candidate. The final vote is May 2nd.