Regents Candidates Debate Dearborn Campus Issues
Three candidates discussed student protection and campus relations at a forum held at Kochoff Hall B.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Financial Aid
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University of Michigan Board of Regents candidates Paul Brown, Amir Makled, and Lena Epstein participated in a forum at the Dearborn campus. The discussion centered on key topics including student protections, free speech, and tri-campus relations ahead of the upcoming election.
Why it matters
The forum highlights the priorities of candidates vying for seats on the board, which oversees state funding and tuition policies across the university system. Understanding these stances is essential for voters as they evaluate the future of financial aid programs and campus equity.
The university system receives varying state funding, with Ann Arbor receiving $376.8 million, Dearborn $33 million, and Flint $28 million. Currently, 23% of the U-M Dearborn student body identifies as Muslim.
The players
Paul Brown
He is a current member of the University of Michigan Board of Regents.
Amir Makled
He is a candidate running for a seat on the University of Michigan Board of Regents.
Lena Epstein
She is a candidate running for a seat on the University of Michigan Board of Regents.
Michael Schostak
He is a candidate running for a seat on the University of Michigan Board of Regents.
Kyle Maas
He is a candidate running for a seat on the University of Michigan Board of Regents.
The details
The event, co-hosted by the U-M Dearborn Student Government and the American Parliamentary Debate Association, provided a platform for candidates to address concerns affecting the Dearborn campus. Missing from the forum were candidates Michael Schostak, Kyle Maas, and Andrew Chadderdon, who did not attend the scheduled event.
Timeline
2020-2021: Paul Brown dissented against the university budget.
2022: U-M Dearborn conducted a campus climate survey.
2026: The Board of Regents scheduled ten total meetings.
November 3, 2026: University of Michigan Board of Regents election.
Culture Shift
The expansion of the Go Blue Guarantee income threshold from $65,000 to $125,000 marks a significant push toward inclusive education. This move follows a broader national trend where public institutions are prioritizing tuition-free programs to drive in-state student enrollment.
Residents and students in Dearborn should note that board members directly influence the allocation of $33 million in state funding for the local campus. Changes to these budget priorities could impact the availability of financial aid programs like the Go Blue Guarantee.
The takeaway
Voters should review candidate platforms regarding campus climate and funding to understand how their vote affects local academic resources. Engaging with these issues helps ensure that the specific needs of the Dearborn campus remain a priority for the Board of Regents.
What happens next
The University of Michigan Board of Regents election is set to take place on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on support for students, visit Financial Aid.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Michigan Daily.
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Should university systems distribute state funding equally across all their branch campuses?
