(WEST ORANGE, AUGUST 23) - Republican Gubernatorial nominee Bret Schundler issued the following statement in response to news reports that Rutgers University is making it more difficult for National Guard members to register for classes under a state sponsored free-tuition program:

“Rutgers University’s actions are unacceptable. A state institution of higher education is going out of its way to create obstacles for students who are members of the National Guard to register for classes. These men and women serve our state and our country and they deserve our respect -- not harassment -- as they seek educational advancement.

“As a state New Jersey made a commitment that if you serve in the National Guard you will receive tuition assistance. Rutgers University is out of line to make it more difficult for members of the Guard to benefit from this program.

“As a matter of basic fairness and respect, Rutgers should allow members of the Guard to register for classes in the same manner as all other students. And if the University refuses to treat members of the Guard fairly, the state should begin to explore what avenues are available to deal with this problem.”

According to news reports, Rutgers University is not allowing the 300 Guard students who attend classes free as part of their military benefits to register for classes until after all of the remaining 50,000 students have registered.