Despite the indications of some legislators, Kansas University Chancellor Robert Hemenway remains hopeful that funding for K-12 and higher education won’t be in competition this legislative session.

“I feel very strongly about this issue,” Hemenway wrote in an online chat with the Journal-World on Wednesday. “What helps education at one level helps education at all levels. I refuse to accept the argument that we must drive a wedge between K-12 and higher ed. What we must do is see education funding in Kansas as a preschool through graduate school funding problem.”

A House committee’s budget discussions Monday centered on whether to recommend funding of a faculty salary increase considering a Supreme Court ruling that likely will require hundreds of millions of dollars pumped into the public school system.

Hemenway responded to a variety of questions during the half-hour chat. Among his comments:

• On whether the debate over science standards will hurt the state’s bioscience initiatives: “Up to now, there has been very little effect. The problem will arise if and when the state is subjected to the same kind of publicity that occurred the last time the evolution debate reached a national audience.”
• On four KU fans, including two students, who claim they were mistreated by the University of Missouri police chief at Sunday’s KU-MU game: “I presume the KU students who were victimized will have some response from MU. One hopes that something similar never happens at Allen (Fieldhouse).”
• On the Interfraternity Council’s expulsion of Phi Kappa Theta fraternity over alcohol allegations: “KU has a very specific process that it follows when any student group violates alcohol policies. We are very serious about it. I fully support strong enforcement of these policies.”

6News video: Chancellor goes to bat for staff in chat Transcript of chat with KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway

• On the possibility of alcohol sales at the Kansas Union and collegiate athletic events: “I am unquestionably opposed to selling alcohol at sporting events. We are looking into the proposal for 3.2 (percent) beer in the union. I think it should be carefully considered, but I want to be very cautious about adding any alcohol event to a KU facility that has large numbers of underage visitors.”
• On who he’s picking so far for the Final Four: “KU, North Carolina, Illinois and Oklahoma State.”