My tax dollars at work

[randallscott35]

New Jersey's public universities would have to approve student events — like last week's appearance by "Jersey Shore" star Snooki at Rutgers University — under new legislation Sen. Joe Kyrillos is preparing to propose in the state Senate.

Kyrillos (R-Monmouth/Middlesex) said state colleges and universities should have to "opt in" to student-planned events that carry fees. Last week, Rutgers students paid Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi $32,000 to appear for two one-hour question-and-answer sessions on the Livingston campus in Piscataway. The students, who were not required to get approval from university officials, used a portion of the mandatory student fees they pay with their tuition to pay Snooki.

"Students ought not be forced to fund entertainment or events that they find objectionable," Kyrillos said. "There were a great deal of Rutgers students who I am certain were uninterested or flat out outraged by Ms. Polizzi's appearance on campus."

Kyrillos described Snooki as "a degenerate reality television star who offers neither useful advice nor any appreciable talents."

Like most colleges, Rutgers allows student committees to book speakers, concerts and other events funded by student fees. About 1,000 students attended the two free Snooki shows at Rutgers. Most students said they had a great time.

Under Kyrillos' legislation, public colleges would also be required to give students a choice of whether or not they want to contribute to a student activities fund when they pay their tuition.

"If students can make a case for continued fees then let's find a methodology for appropriate checks and balances so that money is not wasted," Kyrillos said.