After being booed at Chicago State, Rauner says he'd 'love to boo our system as well'

Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner on Thursday was booed by Chicago State University students and their families during a commencement ceremony at the school, an outburst the governor called "negative feedback" while adding he'd "love to boo our system as well."

The university has been among those hit hardest by the ongoing state budget fight between Rauner and Democrats. The two-year impasse has left Illinois' public colleges and universities with diminished, infrequent state funding. About 400 Chicago State employees were laid off last year, which the school said was a consequence of the budget stalemate.

It also has been dogged by management troubles and financial issues that were unrelated to the state budget situation. Rauner recently helped organize a leadership shake-up.

The governor said Thursday that he attended the graduation ceremony to congratulate the students and to show support for the university's administration. When he was introduced by a Chicago State official, a chorus of boos erupted from the cap-and-gown-clad students and the audience.

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