Our system of government ensures checks and balances. When a government agency fails in its duty to keep the public interest as its top priority, it is the Legislature’s role to exercise oversight.
Hi, this is Senator Rob Hutton.
Last week, the State Senate attempted to shed light on why the UW Board of Regents fired its System President, Jay Rothman. My committee heard from two of the Regents, but that hearing left as many questions as answers.
The Regents cited performance reviews and concerns about Mr. Rothman’s style, but they had no documentation for the committee and didn’t provide a single note, memo, or record to support their decision.
Even the smallest private employer has to maintain thorough records for the most routine personnel decisions. The public deserves at least that level of transparency when it comes to one of our state’s most important institutions.
The UW System is facing major long-term challenges that demand attention, such as declining enrollment, affordability, and the ever-changing needs of employers. Instead, this firing has damaged confidence in the institution and created many unanswered questions at this critical moment.
The Legislature’s work is not finished. We will continue to seek answers and ensure that those who lead the UW System are meeting their obligations to students, families, employers and the Wisconsin public.
Video: https://youtu.be/iS-XtN_rlCQ
