<p>Obviously, some hyperbole for effect, but I do think such a move would, at minimum, destroy the unique character of W&M. And those that would tinker with these institutions in this way either don’t understand how important a role W&M in the health of our state, or simply don’t care, putting their own personal or political gain ahead of what’s best for everyone else.</p>
<p>And just to be clear, it’s no longer a personal issue for me - I have no more kids on the way for whom W&M might play a part in their lives.</p>
<p>I reference my point made somewhere along the line, perhaps in the original thread. Public institutions like W&M, UVA, VT, etc, all contribute to <em>everyone’s</em> quality of life. Employers want to move here for our quality of life, and our educated workforce - this brings more jobs into the state, which is good for everyone. </p>
<p>And those OOS/Intl students not only contribute greatly to the educational experiences at the schools (and of course, financially as well - not only in schools fees, but in the money they spend while here), but many of them opt to stay in VA and begin their careers here. Importing the best-and-brightest in the country, and the world, educating them in the best way we know how, and then having them live here? Once again, that improves everyone’s lives in the state.</p>
<p>What’s best for the school is simultaneously what’s best for the state, and everyone in it. Mention “state school” in most states, and you’ll get an eye roll, maybe some sympathetic words along the lines of “Hey, at least it’s affordable” or “Well, at least s/he got in somewhere.”</p>
<p>We’re very fortunate to have such strong schools here - W&M, UVA, and VT are the envy of pretty much every other state - why mess that up?</p>