WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins issued the following statement regarding reports about possible college conference realignment and the effect on the Big 12 Conference, which includes the University of Kansas and Kansas State University that she represents in Congress.
 
“The heartland of our nation is rooted in deep traditions that started with pioneers venturing west to settle here and continues today with the storied history of college athletics and academic research in the Big 12 Conference. That is why it is important for the University of Kansas, Kansas State University and the University of Nebraska, as founding members of the Big 6 and current members of the Big 12, to continue to stand unified in their efforts to sustain a strong Big 12 Conference.
 
“For more than 80 years, the faculty, students, alumni and supporters of these three institutions have benefited from prestige that comes from being in a top tier conference. So, as the Nebraska Board of Regents prepares to meet later this week, I strongly encourage its members to stand with your neighbors to the south and fight to keep the Big 12 together.”